Environmentalists are criticizing Pennsylvania power plants for their carbon emissions and are calling for more stringent regulations.
PennEnvironment’s report shows that, nationwide, the commonwealth has the third highest amount of power plant-borne pollution.
It comes in anticipation of federally proposed emissions regulations on new plants this year and existing plants next year.
Dr. Bob Little, with Pinnacle Family Health Care, says the public health effects of such emissions, linked to global warming, are expected to intensify — more heat strokes and asthma, as well as sneezes and sniffles.
"Ragweed grows faster and makes more pollen in warm weather," he said. "So those of you with allergies — it’s not going to get any better in the future."
The report calls out seven Pennsylvania power plants as among the country’s top 100 “most polluting” based on carbon emissions.
One listed is the PPL Brunner Island plant in York County.
A spokesman says the utility has spent more than $860 million on upgrades to limit pollution, but notes the technology doesn’t exist yet to limit carbon emissions without cutting electricity output.
