Coal vs. Wind - A Few Facts

Coal generates 54 percent of United States’ electricity, and is the single biggest air polluter here. Coal pollutes when it is mined, transported to the power plant, stored and burned.

Air pollution: Burning coal causes smog, soot, acid rain, global warming, and toxic air emissions.

Wastes generated: Ash, sludge, toxic chemicals, and waste heat create more environmental problems.

Fuel supply: Mining, transporting, and storing coal levels mountains and pollutes the land, water, and air.

Water use: Coal plants need billions of gallons of cooling water and harm wildlife.

Wind power generates electricity with:

• No air emissions;

• No fuel to mine, transport, or store;

• No cooling water;

• No water pollution;

• No wastes.