The Modern Black Death: Coal, Global Warming, and Mercury - PowerPoint Presentation

1. The Modern Black Death:Coal, Global Warming, and Mercury(With Photos of Minamata Disease by W Eugene Smith)Martin Donohoe

2. OutlineCoalCoal exports through the Pacific NWHealth and environmental consequences of coal cycleDx/Rx/Prevention of mercury toxicityMinamata Disease (W. Eugene Smith)Coal – the futureConclusions

3. Coal85% of global electricity from fossil fuels (oil, coal, and natural gas)Coal provides 28% of world’s energy needs and 38% of global electricityUS: 11%/24%Coal accounts for 40% of carbon emissions from fuel (34% oil, 20% natural gas, 6% cement production and other sources)

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6. Global Electricity Generation

7. U.S. Electricity Generation (2019) Natural gas (38%) Coal (24%) Nuclear (20%) Wind (7%) Hydro (7%) Solar (2%) Biomass (1.4%) Petroleum (0.5%) Geothermal (0.4%)

8. CoalTop five producers:China, US, India, EU, AustraliaFive largest users:China, US, India, Russia, JapanLargest coal reserves:US, Russia, China, Australia, IndiaTop five exporters:Australia, Indonesia, Russia, United States, South Africa

9. PlansPowder River Basin coal through Pacific NW to China and IndiaFederal landAmericans own most of Powder River Basin (40% of America’s coal supply)

10. Coal EconomicsCheap:Sold to coal companies for as low as $1/ton (usually non-competitively)U.S. price = $9/ton; sold to China for $80 -$123/tonUncompetitive leasing and poor oversight have cost U.S Treasury $29 billion since 1982army

11. Plans for Pacific NW100 – 150 million additional tons/yr20 trains/day4 diesel engines/train (100-120 cars per train)12 barges/wk

12. PlansWould dramatically increase U.S. coal export capacity2006 - 50 million tons/yrCurrent - 127 million tons/yrWith active proposals - 100 -150 million additional tons/yrThrough Columbia River Gorge (National Scenic Area)

13. 48 mmt/yr coal8 mmt/yr coal10 mmt/yr coal44 mmt/yr coal15-30 mmt/yr coal10 mmt/yr coalTotal: 150 mmt/yr coal

14. Health Consequences of Coal MiningRespiratory diseases (including Black Lung Disease)Heart diseaseCancersLow birth weightBirth defects

15. Environmental and Animal Health Consequences of Coal MiningDepleted aquifersDecreased land for ranchers for grazingDust pneumonia in cattle and horses

16. Possible Benefit of Coal MiningRare earth metals (necessary for electronic technology) may be mined from coal wasteEconomic and national security benefit, since China currently controls 95% of the market

17. DECKER MINE: DECKER, MONTANA

18. AccidentsAverage 20 fuel train derailments/yr in mid-2010sRailroad safety violations common, fines miniscule/cost of doing businessBarge accidentsRisk of fires at coal terminalsSpecial firefighting equipment and training neededState oversight of rail safety and local fire/disaster preparedness weak

19. Coal Train derailment near Baltimore, OHCoal train derailment from coal dust buildup near Baltimore, Ohio (2012). Photo from Reuters.

20. Mesa, WA Coal Train Derailment(2012)

21. The same trains that would carry coal through the Pacific NW– Wisconsin, 2013

22. Fire at Westshore Coal TerminalBritish Columbia, 2013

23. Custer, Washington Fuel Train DerailmentDecember, 2020

24. BargesRisks: coal and fuel spillage, collision, grounding, congestion, emissions, habitat disruption, and fish mortality from wake and propellersEstimated 24 barge accidents/yr on Columbia, one/yr involving spill of coal or fuel

25. BargesColumbia Gorge tourism $746 million/yr$1.5-4.5 billion salmon habitat placed at riskAnnual economic value of negative externalities produced by Morrow Pacific barges:Pollution = $17.8 millionGreenhouse gasses = $22.8 million

26. Barge Accident at Westshore Coal Terminal in BC (2012)Photo from CKNW News Talk 980.

27. TrainsWear and tear on RR tracksRR limited by federal law from paying more than 5% costs for improvements in crossings, bridges, tunnels, and overpassesCosts will be borne by taxpayers

28. Health EffectsDiesel particulate matter:impaired lung developmentpulmonary inflammation and lung cancerincreased risk of heart attacks/strokes/cancer/asthma

29. Health EffectsDiesel particulate matter:increases cardiopulmonary and all-cause mortalitydevelopmental neurotoxinPerinatal exposure increases risk for autism spectrum disorder, ADHD-related symptomsOccupational exposure linked to higher risk for ALS

30. Health EffectsCoal Dust:Up to 645 lbs. (3%) lost per car during transitSurfactant decreases, but does not eliminate, risk

31. Health EffectsCoal Dust:Chronic bronchitis/emphysema/pulmonary fibrosisExposure to heavy metals 3-fold increased risk of cancer in coal terminal workers in AustraliaIncreasing rates of coal worker’s pneumoconiosisOrganic gardeners/farmers

32. Health EffectsNoise:Cardiovascular diseaseStrokeCognitive impairment in childrenExacerbation of mental health disordersSleep disturbances

33. Health and Environmental EffectsWorst effects on:Communities of color, children, older adults, and low income citizens Native AmericansTribal fishing sitesOrganic gardenersQuality of life for all

34. Frequent, Long Train CrossingsDelayed EMS and fire department response timesIncreased accidents, traumatic injuries, deaths

35. Consequences of Burning CoalAir pollution:200,000 premature deaths/yr in U.S.7 million worldwide (1/8 deaths)Far more than are killed by auto accidents2.1 – 3.3 million (outdoor air pollution)2-3.5 million (indoor air pollution)

36. Health Effects of Air PollutionAir pollution causes lung cancer and asthma and impairs lung development and functionDeaths from cardiopulmonary diseases correlate with air pollution levels in US citiesBoth day to day and over timeTriggers 7.4% of heart attacks worldwide

37. Health Effects of Air PollutionIncreased admissions for CHF, asthma, COPD, PVD, and cerebrovascular disease (stroke and TIA)Increased ventricular arrhythmiasIncreased lung/breast/liver/upper digestive/pancreatic cancersDecreased exercise tolerance, increased pulmonary symptoms

38. Health Effects of Air PollutionIncreased risk of diabetesIncreased risk of DVTs/PEsIncreased risk of rheumatoid arthritisImpaired sperm productionPremature births (1/3 more common in large towns/cities)Pre-eclampsia

39. Health Effects of Air PollutionIncrease in SGA and LBW infantsIncreased risk of birth defects (including neural tube defects, circulatory system malformations)Increased risk of appendicitis?Via link with inflammation?Decreased kidney function

40. Health Effects of Air PollutionAccelerated cognitive decline, increased dementiaIncreased numbers of migraines?Autism?Poor sleepDays lost from work/schoolShorter telomeres (associated with multiple health problems and shorter lifespans)Increased risk of suicide

41. Air PollutionCoarse, fine and ultrafine particlesUltrafines not regulated, may be most dangerousNanoparticles may contribute to health risksMassive dust storms increasingAcid rain from coal pollution weakens rock layers on mountain slopes, increasing risk of landslides

42. Consequences of Burning CoalFine particle air pollution causes over 100,000 deaths/yr worldwideThose from existing coal plants cause 14,000 deaths/yr in the USGovernment program promoting coal use in Northern China may cut life expectancy of 500 million people by average 5 yrs

43. Consequences of Burning CoalGlobal warming:400,000 deaths and 5.0 - 5.5 million disability-adjusted life years lost per year (WHO, UN Environment Program)Expected to double by 2030Weather extremesPower from Coal (sponsored educational curriculum from American Coal Foundation): “The earth could benefit rather than be harmed by increasing carbon dioxide.”

44. Consequences of Burning CoalIncreased ground level ozone (pollutant)Vast amounts of water needed for cooling and processingMercury300,000-600,000 women of reproductive age in the U.S. with toxic levels

45. MercuryMercury ore (cinnabar) used as pigment since Neolithic era (found in 10,000 yr old cave paintings)Ancient Romans, Chinese used as rouge makeupPigment mixed with wax for document seals in Middle Ages

46. MercurySyphilis Treatment - 15th Century onward - abandoned 1940 for penicillinRecognized as cause of disease in 19th Century (Hunter-Russell Syndrome) - chemists, hatters (matted fur together with mercuric nitrate to make felt hats)

47. MercuryMercury thermometer invented by physicist Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in 1714 (he later died of mercury poisoning)Phased out in 2000sUsed in late-19th Century to extract silver from pulverized oreDiuretic (used through mid-20th Century)Used as a preservative in latex paints until banned by EPA in 1991

48. MercuryAdded by US government to industrial alcohol during Prohibition to make it more lethal and discourage moonshine production (1926-1933)Led to more than 10,000 deaths

49. MercuryUsed in chlor-alkali plants to make chlorine and sodium hydroxide for industryUsed in production of vinyl chloride, an important ingredient in plastics and vinyl

50. MercuryHg miners at high riskFound today in Chinese medications, skin lightening creams, hair dyes

51. MercuryHalf from volcanic eruptions and other geological processes (e.g., melting of permafrost)Released into air by coal combustion, industrial processes, mining, and waste disposal4500 tons/yrTravels throughout atmosphere and settles in oceans and waterwaysBacteria convert it to toxic methyl-mercuryLevels in Great Lakes, Great Salt Lake rising

52. MercuryTravels up food chain via fishWarmer temperatures increase metabolic rate and ability of fish to accumulateAvoid top predators (tuna, shark, swordfishAcadian redfish, aka dogfish – used in school lunch programs1/3 of US exposure to methylmercury from canned tuna

53. Gold MiningGold = Cyanide + MercuryMercury used to capture gold particles as an amalgamGold leached from ore using cyanideCyanide paralyzes cellular respirationAt least 18 tons of mine waste created to obtain the gold for a single 3 oz., 18k ring

54. Gold Mining and MercuryContaminated groundwater often sits in large toxic lakes held in place by tenuous damsRelease of cyanide and mercury into local waterways kills fish, harms fish-eating animals, and poisons drinking water

55. MercuryOther sources:Deforestation and runoffIndustrial boilersTooth fillingsCar batteriesCosmetics

56. MercuryContaminant in high fructose corn syrupGluten-free diets may contain more mercury (and arsenic) due to higher intake of rice-/rice syrup-based products (rice absorbs metals from water and soil)

57. MercuryDental amalgams:50% mercury; 50% silver, copper, tin, zinc mixturedental amalgam factory workers at high riskMercury dental amalgams pose health risks to pregnant women; unborn babies; children; and those with pre-existing neurological conditions and chronic kidney disease, and hypersensitivity to mercury (FDA Black Box Warning added 2009) – esp tooth grindersAlternatives: Resin and glass cement fillings

58. MercuryDental amalgams:No link with nervous system toxicity and no benefit to removal in adultsHowever, human cremations (increasing) releases 2-4g Hg/body if amalgams present

59. Mercury720,000 metric tons removed from ground since 185057% of mercury released since 1850 circulates in environment43% locked away in sediments and landfills

60. MercuryLong biological half-life - 1-3 years in humansRegulation inadequate Allows “cap and trade”

61. Mercury16% of women of childbearing age exceed the EPA’s “safe” mercury level75,000 newborns/yr in US have increased risk of learning disabilities associated with mercury exposure in the wombFreshwater fish mercury levels too high for pregnant women to eat in 43 statesConsumers Union disagrees with FDA recommended limits on tuna consumption for pregnant womenStates pregnant women should not eat ANY tuna

62. Minamata BaySouthern JapanFishing villageVillagers: fisherman/Chisso Corporation employees and their families

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65. Chisso CorporationEstablished 1918Produced acetaldehyde for plastics, drugs, perfumes, photographyMercury (Hg) catalystByproduct = methylmercury, dumped into bay (150 tons over 4 decades)Dumped over 60 deadly poisons, including vinyl chloride (cause of liver cancer)

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67. Chronology of Chisso's Environmental Pollution1925 - local fishing cooperative compensated for decreased catch1950s - bizarre behavioral changes observed in birds, marine fish, land vertebrates; oysters vanish1950s / 1960s - reports in Japanese medical journals about human cases

68. Chronology of Chisso's Environmental Pollution1956 - cause (MeHg) of Minamata Disease elucidated1958-60 - reports in English medical journals1959-69 - Dr. Hosokawa's experimentsCat #400Other studies1959 cyclator addedRemoved Hg, but not MeHg

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70. Chronology of Chisso's Environmental Pollution1965 - fishing banned in Minamata Bay after similar events noted in Niigata, Japan1968 - all acetaldehyde-producing plants ceased operating1970 - Japan Water Pollution Control ActAllowed no detectable Hg or MeHg in waste water

71. Chronology of Chisso's Environmental Pollution1997 – Minamata Bay declared free of mercury2004 – Japanese Supreme Court rules government shares responsibility for epidemic (government slow to react, cut off research funding in 1962)

72. Minamata Disease3,000 official cases in Minamata Bay (almost 2,500 dead)Tens of thousands of unofficial casesNumber of victims may be as high as 100,000Social stigma / Poor health care

73. Congenital Minamata Disease:Signs and SymptomsCongenital: high dose → infertility; medium dose → spontaneous abortions; low dose → congenital disease (including anencephaly and spina bifida)S/S: poor physical growth, mental retardation, impaired speech/chewing/swallowing, muscle tone abnormalities, involuntary movements, constricted visual fieldsChelation not effective

74. Signs and SymptomsAcute / Chronic Poisoning:Numbness, slurred speech, ataxia, unsteady gait, deafness, poor vision, dysphagia, hypersalivation, confusion, drowsiness/stupor to irritability/restlessnessLinked to autism, chronic liver disease, liver cancer, hypertension, nephropathy, ALS, autoimmune diseases

75. Signs and SymptomsAcute / Chronic Poisoning:HypertensionAutoimmune disordersRashDeath within a few months if severe

76. DiagnosisMercury levels in air, blood, urine:“Normal” level = 5 mcg/l20 mcg/l – 100 mcg/l = subacute toxicity, consider treatment>100 mcg/l in blood and/or urine = toxic, treat

77. TreatmentChelation with BAL, penicillamine, DMPS, DMSA (best)May help with neurologic symptomsNephrotic syndrome resolves over several monthsFollow levels to assess adequacy of treatment, need for additional dosesConsult occupational medicine/poison control

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82. Civil suit vs. Chisso (1969-73)Plaintiffs initially awarded $66,000 for deceased victims, $59,000 - $66,000 for survivorsAs of 2014, most victims have received financial compensation ($160,000 - $180,000; $26000 for those with lesser disabilities)

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85. Civil suit vs. Chisso (1969-73)Dr. Hosokawa key witness (from deathbed)Identity - company employee vs. impartial physician with obligation to patientsLoyalty - company vs. to public

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87. Reasons for Delayed Recognition and ActionScience slow, unfunded/underfunded, corruptDissemination of knowledge slowSocial stigma of disease, fear of contagionPressure from fisheries cooperative, Chisso employees

88. Reasons for Delayed Recognition and ActionLack of local/world awareness of health effects of pollutionStrong government-business links in Japan, employee loyalty strong

89. Decreasing Causes and Limiting Consequences of Mercury PollutionPhase out coal burning power plantsHospitals phasing out mercury thermometersStop buying gold (e.g., wedding rings)Make healthy seafood purchasesScreen and treat when appropriateAvoid tainted cosmetics

90. Minamata ConventionA set of legally binding measures to curb mercury pollutionAs of early 2021, 128 countries have signed and 127 (including the U.S.) have ratifiedTook effect August, 2017At the September, 2017 international meeting, ½ of delegates had mercury levels considered unsafe by the EPA

91. Minamata ConventionBest emission-control technologies requred for new power plants, boilers and smeltersCompact fluorescent lightbulbs containing over 5 mg Hg banned by 2020Primary mercury mining banned (old mines get 15 yrs to close down)Allows use of mercury in artisanal and small scale gold mining; encourages nations to phase out use altogether

92. Minamata ConventionExempts dental fillings, but encourages alternativesVaccines with thimerosol (ethylmercury) exempt (very few, trace amounts)Considered “safe” but best to avoid if possibleBut benefits of vaccination great

93. Minamata ConventionBans Hg-containing batteries by 2020 (button-cell batteries exempt)Bans switches and relays with Hg by 2020Limits Hg in soaps and some cosmetics

94. Minamata ConventionBans Hg in medical devices by 2020Exempts religious and traditional uses of HgBans use in certain types of manufacturingJapan – Asia’s largest exporter of mercuryJapanese industry fighting treaty/trade ban

95. Minamata Disease Memorial

96. True Cost of Fossil FuelsWorldwide: $5.3 trillion in fossil fuel subsidies (2019)Subsidies for polluting energy sources greater than 12 times subsidies for renewables (excluding military costs)Public health costs = 2X electricity ratesU.S. = $20 billion in fossil fuel subsidies nationally in 2019

97. True Cost of Fossil FuelsGlobal tax benefits and fossil fuel subsidies = $5.3 trillion (includes health, environmental, and military costs)Higher than what governments worldwide spend on public healthIf all such benefits and subsidies were stopped, 1.6 million preventable deaths/yr would be averted

98. True Cost of Fossil FuelsWhen subsidies and externalities taken into account, renewables look greatEven so, Peabody Energy attempting to rebrand coal as a cure for poverty

99. JobsProgressives (who oppose coal exports) traditionally support unions, green energy jobs, living wage, health insurance for all, etc.53,000 coal industry jobs (including 15,000 coal miners)Environmental restoration – 126,000 jobsBowling industry – 69,000 jobsProfessional dancers – 20,000

100. JobsCoal exports - Short-term, unhealthy jobs15 coal mining deaths in 20171966: 233One century ago: 2,226Every 4.5 new coal jobs means one American will die from increased fossil fuel pollutionU.S. taxpayers subsidizing Chinese and Indian jobs

101. Jobs and Property ValuesEffect on local retailers and their often low wage employeesRail capacity limited, Montana farm exports may sufferSeattle study predicts rail crossing congestion could cost up to $455,000/yr in lost revenue plus an additional $475 million in diminished real estate valuesNegative effects on tourism

102. Energy Sector JobsClean energy jobs: over 3 million employedSolar and wind energy: 470,000Fossil Fuel industry jobs: 1.2 millionIncluding 53,000 coal industry jobs (including 15,000 coal miners)Bowling industry – 69,000 jobsProfessional dancers – 20,000Swapping out coal for solar energy would prevent 52,000 premature deaths/yr in the U.S.

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107. JobsJobs program for pulmonologists, special ed teachers, and morticians

108. Recent Developments Show Coal’s Future is BleakCoal export prices down dramatically: 2011 ($130/ton) → 2018 ($103/ton)Investors abandoning coalWorld Bank and U.S. sharply restricting funding of (overseas) coal plants (2013)

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111. Recent Developments Show Coal’s Future May Be BleakChinese demand expected to drop with development of nuclear and renewables (currently coal = 60% of China’s energy consumption)Air pollution situation “grim” (1.23 million premature deaths in China in 2010)Has banned new coal plant production near Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou and promised to close 2,000 small coal mines by 2015Banning coal sales and use in 6 main districts of Beijing by 2020Plans to increase renewables and nuclear energy

112. Recent Developments Show Coal’s Future May Be BleakChina plans to increase renewables and nuclear energyAnd yet, China behind 700 of the over 1,600 new coal plants planned or under construction in 62 countries in 2017 (which would expand world’s coal-fired power capacity by 43%

113. Recent Developments Show Coal’s Future May Be BleakWorld Bank and U.S. sharply restricting funding of (overseas) coal plants (2013)Average U.S. coal plant is 42 yrs. oldLast Oregon coal plant (Boardman) closes in 20202016: Oakland, CA bans coal hauling and storage, dooms planned terminal

114. Recent Developments Show Coal’s Future May Be Bleak11/15 proposals to build major new coal export facilities in the US defeated or cancelled between 2013 and 2015Obama proposes federal grant program to help distressed coal mining communities (2015)2016: Renewable energy accounted for 86% of newly-installed capacity for electricity generation (62% worldwide)However, coal use increasing in India and (dramatically) in Pakistan

115. Recent Developments Show Coal’s Future May Be Bleak2017: EU utilities in 26/28 countries vow end to coal after 20202017: Canada to eliminate use of coal in power plants by 2030 (however, still mining Alberta Tar Sands, moving ahead with pipelines)2018: France announces plan to shut all coal-fired power plants by 2021By 2025, almost every existing coal plant in the United States will cost more to operate than building replacement wind and solar within 35 miles of each plant

116. HOWEVER…2015: US Interior Department’s Regional Management Plan authorizes sale of $10.2 billion of Powder River Basin coal (on 106,000 acres of public land) at far below market pricesWould negate most other Obama administration actions to control carbon emissions

117. However2016: Obama administration required royalty payments to federal government2017: Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke plans to re-open royalty loophole2018: Federal court rules that BLM violated law when it made 80 billion tons of Powder River Basin coal available for leasing; requires agency to first assess environmental risks of fossil fuel combustion/consider alternatives

118. Trump Administration2017: Trump administration strongly supports coal, natural gas, fracking2017: Stream Protection Rule overturned, removes restrictions on coal companies dumping ash, mine waste into waterways2017: Trump administration defunds health study on coal mining communities2018: Acting EPA Secretary Andrew Wheeler (former coal industry lobbyist)Plans to rewrite pollution rules for coal plants

119. DesperationSupporters using amoral logic of “someone else will sell it to them” – similar to tobacco exportsCoal companies funding harassment of U.S. scientists

120. The LatestPlans to use railways and terminals to transport Canadian Tar Sands and North Dakota Bakken Oil Field fracked oil through Pacific NW for export2008: 9,500 rail cars carrying oil in the U.S.; 2014: over 400,000 cars (a 4,000% increase)100 cars/train, each car carries 30,000 gal of crude oil

121. The LatestMany new coal and oil terminals planned for Gulf of Mexico (if Pacific NW plans do not work out)$500 million oil terminal proposed for PortlandSupported by state and federal fundsIf all coal export terminals, oil-by-rail facilities, oil pipelines, and natural gas pipelines planned for the Pacific NW are completed and fully utilized, the region could export fossil fuels carrying 5X as much carbon as the proposed Keystone Pipeline

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123. Port of Vancouver's 218-acre Terminal 5 - proposed site for the nation's largest oil-by-rail terminal 

124. The LatestPipelines on wheels2013: Trains carrying crude oil exploded, spilled, or derailed 117 timesE.g., Lac-Megantic, Quebec – 47 killed, $1.2 billion damage (2013)More crude oil spilled in U.S. rail accidents in 2013 than in previous 40 yrs combined

125. Lac-Megantic, Quebec, 2013

126. The LatestFederal government predicts trains hauling crude oil or ethanol will derail an avg of 10X/yr over the next 2 decades, causing more than $4 billion in damage and possibly killing hundreds if they occur in a densely populated region16 million Americans live within 0.5 km of one of the existing lines2017: Trump administration rolls back Obama-era regulation requiring trains to install electronically-controlled pneumatic braking systems by 2021 (current air brake technology over 100 yrs old)

127. The Latest2016: British Columbia rejects oil pipeline expansion (but Canadian government favors)2016: Renewable energy accounted for 86% of newly-installed capacity for electricity generation (62% worldwide)However, coal use increasing in India and (dramatically) in Pakistan

128. The Latest2016: Canada commits to phaseout of coal by 20302017: Portland City Council unanimously bans new fossil fuel terminals (upheld by OR Supreme Court, 2018)2017: WA state refuses to allow coal export terminal at Longview2018: U.S. now a net exporter of oil

129. The LatestBetween 40,000 and 60,000 diesel trucks travel Portland’s roads each dayOregon Legislature guts bill that would have replaced old diesel engines with newer engines that would have run 95%-99% cleaner and deliver as much as $17 in health benefits for every clean-up dollar invested

130. The Latest2017: UK power grid goes 24 hrs without coal (now being used only for occasional backup power)2018: France announces plan to shut all coal-fired power plants by 20212018: Trump administration considering using West coast military bases or other federal properties as transit points for shipments of U.S. coal and natural gas to Asia2018: Federal judge blocks BLM from fracking on 300,000 acres of public land in Wyoming

131. The LatestEPA postpones deadline for limiting toxic metals and other pollutants in wastewater of coal plants from 2018 to 20202019: Fraser Surrey Docks (B.C., Canada) proposed coal export terminal cancelled 2019: Jordan Cove LNG Terminal Project essentially dead

132. The Latest2019: U.S. coal production decreased 6.6% from 2018 to 706.3 million short tons; average number of employees at U.S. coal mines decreased by 779 from 2018 to 52,8042020: Murray Energy, largest private coal mining company in U.S., files for bankruptcy2021: Millenium Bulk Terminals parent company declares bankruptcy, Bellingham, WA terminal project dead

133. The LatestOld (dangerous) tanker cars slowly being phased outSpeed limit of 40 mph set for cities with large populationsTrack, bridges aging, fire departments not prepared to handle blazes (special equipment required)Crude by Rail Safety Act pending in Senate

134. The LatestObama’s Clean Power Plan would have required power plants to reduce carbon emissions by 32% from 2005 levels between now and 2030Would have prevent 3,600 premature deathsBlocked by SCOTUSOverturned by Pruitt/EPA

135. The LatestTrump administration supporting coal, despite mine and plant closures secondary to economic factors and rise of natural gas2018: More than half of all US coal plants have now closed or are committed to retiring2019: EPA allows states to set their own carbon emissions standards for coal-fired power plants, undoing Obama requirements (could result in 1,400 additional premature deaths by 2030)Norway divesting from coal, Ireland to divest of all fossil fuels

136. The LatestPortland/Multnomah County to transition completely to renewables by 2050Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Initiative passes 65% to 35%Tax on large businesses to help fund clean energy programs and job training in an effort to meet clean energy goalsOregon Coal to Clean Energy Bill:Transition from coal to clean energy by 2025Overwhelming public supportWould be cost-effective/beneficialPending in OR legislature

137. The Latest2021: President Biden signs executive order to stop Keystone PipelineCA, NM, DC, HI, and PR pledged to get all energy from renewables by 2050 (other states with lesser commitments)

138. What is Being DoneProtestsLawsuitsLocal measures passingPressure on governments/officials

139. What You Can DoJoin Power Past Coal CoalitionVolunteerDemand a halt to all proposals

140. ConclusionsCoal is a dying 19th Century technology with Dickensian effects on human health and the environmentThe consequences of coal transport through the Pacific Northwest and its subsequent burning in Asian power plants is bad for the Northwest, the United States, and the world

141. ConclusionsU.S. needs an energy policy for the 21st century, using clean technologies that provide long-term, well-paying, and safe jobs

142. Günter Grass “The first job of a citizen is to keep your mouth open.”

143. African Proverb If you think you are too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in your tent

144. Special Thanks ToRegna Merritt, Margie Kircher, Andy Harris, Susan Katz, and others at Oregon PSRregna@oregonpsr.orgLaura Stevens and others, Oregon Sierra Club/Beyond Coal CampaignAlan Lockwood, National PSRThousands of concerned citizens who have volunteered their time and energy

145. ResourcesPower Past Coal: http://www.powerpastcoal.org/ Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign: http://content.sierraclub.org/coal/ Coal’s Assault on Human Health (Physicians for Social Responsibility): http://www.psr.org/resources/coals-assault-on-human-health.html

146. ResourcesOregon PSR Resources: http://www.psr.org/chapters/oregon/environmental-health-/proposed-coal-exports.html and http://www.psr.org/chapters/oregon/environmental-health-/

147. ResourcesFull cost accounting for the life cycle of coal (Ann NY Acad Sci 2011;1219:73-98. Available at http://solar.gwu.edu/index_files/Resources_files/epstein_full%20cost%20of%20coal.pdf

148. Contact InformationPublic Health and Social Justice Website:http://www.publichealthandsocialjustice.orgorhttp://www.phsj.org Martin Donohoemartindonohoe@phsj.org

149. W Eugene SmithBorn 1918, Wichita, KSLocal news photographer at age 15Turned down scholarship to Notre Dame to study photography at NY Institute of PhotographyWorked for Newsweek, then Life, then Magnum

150. W Eugene SmithMarried to Aileen Smith, photojournalistMinamata: Final AssignmentBeaten by Chisso employeesDied 1978

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165. Role of the Media in Promoting Awareness of Environmental Health IssuesBooksHenrik Ibsen’s Enemy of the PeopleUpton Sinclair's The JungleRachel Carson's Silent SpringPhotographyW. Eugene and Aileen Smith's Minamata photoessayJacob Riis, Dorothea Lange, Sebastiao Salgado, James Nachtwey, othersFilm, TV

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175. Contact Info, ReferencesMartin Donohoemartindonohoe@phsj.org This slide show and others available at http://www.publichealthandsocialjustice.orghttp://www.phsj.org