Say No to Coal Ash in Your Drinking Water

The National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program sent the following action alert:

Families in Eastern Tennessee received an early unwanted Christmas present in 2008. Their homes were filled with coal ash, which contains hazardous pollutants such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and thallium.

As a result of the largest coal ash spill in history, the EPA is seeking input on a proposal to classify coal ash as a toxic substance.  This proposal would ensure that communities, waterways, and local air quality would have more protection from the harmful effects of coal ash. Please tell the EPA that coal ash should be regulated as a toxic substance.

More than 584 coal ash disposal sites are found in communities around the country. A recent report revealed that at least 137 of these sites in 34 states are currently contaminating drinking water or surface water.

As people of faith we have a responsibility to care for vulnerable communities and the health of God’s Creation, and to ensure that our own bodies are not exposed to harmful contaminants.

Click here to tell the EPA coal ash is toxic to our families, communities, and God’s Creation.

Blessings,
The Eco-Justice Team

Read more about coal ash in a past Eco-Journey post.