inhaling for dollars

Thanks to the Christian Science Monitor, we learn that “Coal-fired plants produce about half the nation’s electricity. The report found that pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter cost the US $62 billion. That works out to about 3.2 cents’ worth of “nonclimate” damages for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) generated.”

That’s “non-climate” damages. Stuff like the toxic effects of air pollution on human lung tissue (especially kids and old folks).

It’s nice to put a number on toxic spew; but do we need to know how many cents’ worth of damage foul air is worth? Isn’t it insulting enough to know that America’s air is too toxic for human consumption?

When will America finally address fumes? Don’t hold your breath.

posted by Mudd