Coal ash gets far less attention than toxic and greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, but it has created environmental and health problems - every major river in the Southeast has at least one coal ash pond - and continuing legal troubles and large cleanup costs for the authority and other utilities.

In this quote, Tatiana Schlossberg, an environmental journalist, highlights the often overlooked issue of coal ash and its significant environmental and health problems. While much of the attention in the energy sector is focused on the toxic emissions and greenhouse gases produced by power plants, Schlossberg points out that coal ash—a byproduct of burning coal for electricity—has led to serious, ongoing issues. She emphasizes that coal ash ponds are common in the Southeast United States, with at least one such pond near every major river in the region, contributing to water contamination and long-term ecological damage.

Schlossberg’s statement draws attention to the fact that coal ash is not just an environmental concern but also a public health issue. The toxic substances in coal ash, such as heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and mercury, can seep into water sources, endangering both aquatic life and human communities. Despite the severe impacts, coal ash has historically received far less attention than other pollutants, and the cleanup process has been costly and fraught with legal and regulatory challenges for both utilities and environmental authorities.

The origin of this quote is tied to Schlossberg’s broader work as a journalist investigating environmental issues, particularly the hidden consequences of the fossil fuel industry. Her reporting sheds light on the environmental and economic costs of coal, an energy source that continues to have a long-lasting impact even as the world shifts toward renewable energy sources. Her focus on coal ash is an effort to bring awareness to a critical but underreported environmental problem.

Ultimately, Schlossberg’s quote underscores the need for greater focus on coal ash and its cleanup, as well as more comprehensive regulations to prevent further contamination. The ongoing legal troubles and high cleanup costs faced by utilities illustrate the long-term consequences of reliance on coal and the importance of transitioning to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources to protect both public health and the environment.