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John
When it comes to the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, Britain is leaving us behind. Just weeks ago, the UK shuttered its final coal-fired power plant. Meanwhile, here in the United States, over 200 coal plants are still in operation, pumping vast amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and worsening the climate crisis.
Coal pollution is a primary driver of extreme weather events like Hurricanes Milton and Helene, which are growing in both intensity and frequency. Phasing out coal plants would bring cleaner air and healthier communities, reduced mortality rates in areas dependent on coal mining, and savings of billions in healthcare and funeral expenses.
Further benefits of reducing, and eventually eliminating, coal-fired power include less acid rain and groundwater pollution, and significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions, lowering the risks of climate disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods.
Yet, the incoming Trump administration is poised to take us backward. Trump has pledged to dismantle Biden’s “suffocating” taxes on coal producers and reverse Obama-era coal leasing bans. His campaign website sets up a false dichotomy: “China is building a coal plant every week… and we’re playing games with the wind.”
What can President Biden do before fossil fuel interests regain control?
The time to act is now. Urge President Biden to take decisive action by using his executive authority to phase out coal-fired power plants by 2035 now.
Here’s what we’re asking for:
An Executive Order: Mandate the closure of all coal-fired power plants in the U.S. by January 1, 2035.
Federal Job Training Programs: Provide free training for coal workers to transition into careers in clean energy and advanced technologies.
Community Reinvestment: Repurpose former coal plant sites into parks, solar farms, or wind energy facilities, creating jobs and restoring local ecosystems.
The evidence is undeniable: coal-fired power plants harm public health, shorten lifespans, damage agriculture, and remain a top contributor to global warming. Every moment of inaction puts more lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems at risk.
Sign the petition today! Tell President Biden to issue an executive order phasing out coal plants by 2035 and take a bold step toward a sustainable, green future.
Thank you for standing up for clean energy and a healthier planet!
- Amanda
Amanda Ford, Director
Democracy for America
Advocacy Fund
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