More Editorial Foolishness from The Bristol Herald Courier

This time they are pulling heartstrings about asthma.

Air pollution from coal-fired power plants and from cars and trucks worsens the disease. So does exposure to second-hand cigarette smoke. Pollen, mold and animal dander are other culprits.

You can see the spin. They continue

Air pollution, too, can be improved through government action. As a start, the federal government should aggressively enforce existing laws that require old coal-fired power plants to be upgraded to control emissions. Under the Bush administration, this enforcement has been lax. One of the prime examples of this failure is in our backyard – the American Electric Power Co.’s coal-burning plant at Carbo in Russell County. It’s one of the nation’s dirtiest.

The Carbo Plant was built in the 1950's and has undergone extensive changes to meet current standards. I have worked at the Carbo Plant and never witnessed anyone have a asthma attack. I have golfed many rounds right down the road, fished right down the river, and have family in their 80's living near there. Aggressively enforcing laws at power plants? The editors at the BHC don't have a clue. The changes made to power plants require planning, permitting, and construction. This process can take years. On the other hand the editors can at any time make life healthier for residents by not driving pollution emitting autos, and why not stop printing the paper? Stop using paper, ink, and coal fired electricity to profit off your readership. Discontinue delivery of your paper by couriers and save some gas. Put your money where your mouth is. The BHC is also a polluter, but they choose to lay the blame on others whose services provide their very existence.

On a side note - My father has discontinued his subscription to the BHC and started taking the Kingsport Times. I received both papers until yesterday when my BHC was also discontinued.

Technorati Tags: Coal, Power Plants