Midwest Energy News: Physicians Warn of Health Impacts of Ameren Variance
Friday, August 17, 2012
Midwest Energy News reports on a letter signed by 96 physicians, researchers and healthcare professionals, warning that continued pollution from Ameren’s Illinois coal plants will lead to continued health impacts, and will undercut state clean air standards.
“Dr. Sarah Lovinger, a Chicago internist and executive director of the Chicago chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility, said people concerned about economic effects if Ameren plants close are not understanding the full range of impacts that coal plants have on their lives.
‘I think people in general underestimate the effects of the environment on their health, otherwise everyone would be an environmentalist,” she said. “The people of Illinois must ask what use is it to have strong air standards if they are not enforced.’”
Tags: Air Pollution, Ameren, ELPC, Environmental Law & Policy Center, Faith Bugel, Illinois Pollution Control Board, Media Center News Clips, Mercury Pollution, Midwest Energy News, Physicians for Social Responsibility, PSR, Public Health, UIC, Variance