Cheap coal, dirty air

Coal is one of the most environmentally destructive substances on Earth. Coal-fired power plants, which produce more than half the nation's electricity, are the biggest source of airborne toxic substances in the U.S. and are responsible for about half the particulate matter polluting our skies. They are also often fingered as the biggest contributors to global warming because of the greenhouse gases they emit. What is less discussed is the horrifying damage wrought by coal even before it makes its way to the power plant -- damage that may soon grow even worse thanks to a disgraceful decision by mining regulators.

August 31, 2007