Coal Power in Chicago
Coal-burning power plants are a major source of air pollution and global warming emissions in the United States, and especially Chicago. The pollutants that come from power plants cause respiratory problems, lung disease and even neurological damage.
Existing power plants, such as the Crawford and Fisk plants in Chicago, were “grandfathered” by the federal government and are subject to more lenient federal pollution limits because of their age. Fisk was originally constructed in 1903 and Crawford in 1924. While these plants have been re-tooled and upgraded over the years, and enjoy more relaxed rules than most, they still blatantly and repeatedly exceed their air pollution limits.
Health Impacts
Chicago ranks as the second hardest hit city in the entire country for the impacts of power plant pollution. According to a 2001 study conducted by researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health, the estimated impacts of the two Chicago power plants, Crawford and Fisk, are:
- 40+ premature deaths every year
- 2800 asthma attacks every year
- 500 emergency room visits every year
More people live near Crawford and Fisk than any other coal-fired power plant in the U.S. In fact, the population density surrounding Fisk alone is nearly twice that of the next most densely populated coal-fired power plant neighborhood! While the pollutants and health damage are left behind in Chicago, the electricity mostly is sold to out-of- state buyers.
Campaign for Clean Power!
Chicago may be the only city in the country where businesses, environmental organizations, the faith community and citizens are working together with several aldermen (led by Alderman Joe Moore) to adopt an ordinance that regulates emissions from coal-fired power plants within its municipal limits. This coalition believes:
Moving toward a clean energy economy is essential to our health, the health of our planet and the creation of high-quality jobs. This economy of the future relies on energy efficiency and clean resources—such as wind, solar, and geothermal power—to meet our energy needs.
A clean energy economy is within our grasp. Our central location and strong manufacturing base, together with Chicago’s Climate Action Plan and Illinois’ untapped potential of 10,000 megawatts of wind-generating power, combine to make our region the obvious leader in the transformation to a clean energy economy.
The Chicago Clean Power Coalition consists of more than 50 businesses; faith groups; health, environmental, educational, and social justice organizations; and individuals committed to creating a sustainable and clean energy economy in metropolitan Chicago. EJC is a founding partner of this growing coalition.
By protecting the environment and public health, and by following Chicago’s adopted Climate Action Plan, we believe we will strengthen our regional economy and create new high-quality jobs. The coalition advocates cleaning up our coal-fired power plants and transitioning metropolitan Chicago to a cleaner and stronger economy based on conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Chicago Clean Power Ordinance
The Chicago Clean Power Ordinance was introduced by 49th Ward Alderman Joe Moore this past April. Enacting the Chicago Clean Power Ordinance will:
- Protect the health of all who live and work in Chicago.
- Improve our economy.
- Significantly reduce Chicago’s contribution to global warming.
The Chicago Clean Power Ordinance will lead the way to a clean energy economy and make Chicago a safer place in which to live, work and raise our families!
Visit http://cleanpowerchicago.org to learn more about coalition members and this campaign!
