Air Exchange Radio
July Air Exchange on KPFT 90.1 Open Journal
- Matthew Tejada
Pollution from coal plants goes beyond carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming. Coal plants are also heavy polluters of sulfur dioxide, mercury, arsenic, lead and are the largest industrial sources of ozone precursors. Ozone exposure also has been associated with increased susceptibility to respiratory infections, medication use by asthmatics, doctor visits, and emergency department visits and hospital admissions for individuals with respiratory disease. High ozone levels can even harm sensitive vegetation and ecosystems. In Texas today there are 20 counties that do not meet federal ambient air quality standards. These counties are commonly referred to as being in nonattainment. In the Houston‐Galveston‐Brazoria region, which includes 8 counties, all are classified severe for 8‐hour ground‐level ozone.
Matagorda County, which is southwest of this region, meets the federal standards for ambient air quality. However, this may change as citizens are confronted with the possibility of a 1320‐megawatt pet coal plant coming to their county called White Stallion Energy Center.
During this segment of Air Exchange, Matthew and Jennifer will discuss what is at stake for not only Matagorda County but the surrounding counties as well.
