For Immediate Release

January 16, 2008

For More Information Contact:  Mark Kresowik - 319-621-7393
                                           Josh Jones – 417-894-6442

Black Hawk County Board of Health Backs Moratorium on New Coal Plants

 

Waterloo, IA – In the face of growing opposition to the proposed coal-fired power plant in Waterloo, the Black Hawk County Board of Health delivered a blow to the plant by voting to place a moratorium on the permitting of coal-fired power plants until more stringent air quality standards are set.

"We've been saying all along the proposed coal plant will bring serious health risks," said Carole Yates of the Cedar Prairie Group of the Sierra Club. "The Black Hawk County Board of Health showed today they understand the value of Iowan's health," she added.

Dozens of local opponents, including local Sierra Club and Community Energy Solutions members, woke up early to participate in the Board of Health hearing. Dozens of community members commented on the proposed plant. While most comments were about increased particulate pollution or higher concentrations of mercury in the water, community members were collectively opposed to the extra pollution the plant would bring.

"The owners of this massive coal plant will not have to worry about the health effects of increased air pollution," said Waterloo resident and Community Energy Solutions member Renata Sack. "They will not have to worry about their kids being hospitalized due to severe asthma. Waterloo residents will. The hidden costs are being passed on to us," she added.

The five-member Board of Health voted on the recent recommendations given in a November 2007 report published by Dr. William Stigliani. The report states that among the criteria air pollutants, particulate matter poses the greatest threat to health in Black Hawk County and eastern Iowa. Inhalation of particulate matter causes or aggravates numerous cardiopulmonary diseases including asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, decreased lung function in children, heart attacks, inflammation of lung tissue, lung cancer, and premature deaths. The report also raises concerns about increased amounts of carbon dioxide pollution, the leading greenhouse gas responsible for global warming, and increased amounts of mercury, a highly toxic chemical linked to brain and nervous system damage.

In addition to recommending a moratorium be placed on the permitting of coal plants, the report recommends: more stringent particulate matter standards, that Black Hawk County conduct its own air quality monitoring and have an increased role in the permitting process of plants and industrial facilities in the area, and that public health standards be incorporated in the permitting, compliance, and regulatory process governing Iowa air standards. The Board voted in favor of all four recommendations.

"I'm very glad the Board voted for a moratorium on all new coal plants," said Don Shatzer, life-long Black Hawk County resident and retired farmer. "Now we need Governor Culver to place a moratorium on new coal plants and invest in efficiency and renewable energy instead. The health of Iowans is in his hands. He has an opportunity to move Iowa beyond coal—to make Iowa a leader in clean energy."

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