Pollution from Chicago’s two coal plants has created up to $1 billion in health and related damages in the last 8 years, according to a report released today by the Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC). The report uses data from the National Research Council that found that particulate matter, or soot, from the Fisk and Crawford coal plants in Chicago created $127 million in health and related damages in 2005. Using that model, ELPC analyzed pollution emissions data and found that the two plants have created between $750 million and $1 billion in public health damages since 2002.

“The public can’t afford the huge health costs from the Fisk and Crawford coal plants in Chicago neighborhoods.” said Howard Learner, Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center. “It’s time for Midwest Generation to be socially responsible and clean them up or shut them down.”

...ELPC’s report, titled Midwest Generation’s “Unpaid Health Bills”: The Hidden Public Costs of Soot and Smog from the Fisk and Crawford Coal Plants in Chicago” examines recent scientific research on the health effects of soot and smog pollution from coal plants. A variety of authoritative scientific panels have found that particulate matter pollution from coal plants harms public health, causing premature death, heart attacks, cardiovascular and respiratory disease and other problems. The economic impact of these health problems is borne by the public. (more)