# Coal Plant Local Health Impact on Communities

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/09/coal-plant-local-health-impact-on-communities/
- Published: 2011-09-27T03:09:17-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Grassroots Win: Coal Plant Local Health from Closure Marks Major Public Victory

### Huge public local health victory comes after years of pressure from local citizens and the Sierra Club

After years of relentless pressure from coal plant local residents and the Sierra
Club, a major coal-fired power plant in Texas is shutting down. The move marks a
huge win for public health, clean air, and environmental justice.

According to the [2011 Clean Air Task Force study](https://www.catf.us/educational/coal-plant-pollution/),
the Cane Run Plant contributes to 23 deaths, 35 heart attacks, 380 asthma attacks
a year.

### Citizens and Advocates Took the Lead

For over a decade, concerned citizens in Central Texas demanded change. They raised
awareness, organized public meetings, and partnered with national groups like the
Sierra Club. Their message was clear: the Fayette Power Project was polluting their
air, harming their health, and damaging their future.

![Graphic celebrating the grassroots public health victory as a texas coal plant
prepares to close featuring a red strike through symbol over a polluting factory
and bold text referencing local citizens and the sierra club](https://i0.wp.com/
greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/4D82369B-C8B4-44FD-B592-550EA6EF90C4.
png?resize=200%2C300&quality=50&ssl=1 "Coal power health NRDC - The Green Living
Guy")

Ai

Persistent grassroots action forced both regulators and utilities to pay attention.

### Coal Plant Local Health Air Pollution Finally Addressed

The Fayette coal plant, located near La Grange, has long been a top emitter of toxic
pollutants—including mercury, sulfur dioxide, and fine particulates. These pollutants
are known to:

 * Increase asthma and respiratory illness
 * Harm heart health
 * Contaminate local waterways and wildlife

The plant also released [millions of tons of carbon dioxide annually](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/environmental-leaders-to-aep-whats-your-number/),
contributing to climate change.

After years of advocacy and environmental reviews, authorities finally agreed: action
was overdue.

### The Turning Point

Local and national groups used a combination of scientific data, legal pressure,
and media outreach to highlight the plant’s public health risks. Eventually, this
momentum forced plant operators to reconsider their long-term plans.

As a result, Austin Energy, one of the plant’s co-owners, announced it would begin
phasing out its stake in the facility. This marks the beginning of the end for a
decades-old polluter.

### A Model for Other Communities

This win proves that community action works. When residents speak up—and back their
words with facts—they can drive serious change. The Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign,
which supported local efforts, sees the Fayetville, [Louisville](https://www.sierraclub.org/),
[Kentucky](https://www.sierraclub.org/). victory as a template for national progress.

Already, dozens of coal plants across the U.S. are facing similar grassroots campaigns.

### What Happens Next?

Austin Energy plans to shift toward cleaner, renewable energy sources like wind 
and solar. Local leaders have pledged to reinvest in sustainable power and work 
with the community to ensure a just energy transition.

At the same time, environmental advocates will remain vigilant to ensure the phase-
out stays on track.

Source: [Sierra Club – Beyond Coal Campaign](https://www.sierraclub.org/beyond-coal)

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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