Protecting Black and African Americans from Disproportionate Coal Ash Exposure in Georgia

Abstract

In 2019, an estimated 20% of the energy produced in Georgia came from coal power plants, producing a staggering 6 million tons of toxic coal ash byproducts (Nuclear Energy Institute 2020). The improper storage of this coal ash leads to chemicals leaching into the environment, poisoning the people who reside near the power plants and coal ash dump sites (Earth Justice 2018). Both in the nation and here in Georgia, Black and African American communities are disproportionately harmed by health issues caused by coal ash exposure due to living near coal power plants (Merem 2016, 1-16). To ensure equitable protection from coal ash across the community, we propose amending the Official Georgia Code to adopt HB431, which implements extensive requirements for obtaining coal ash site permits. We further propose incorporating fines for companies that violate HB431 and using fines to empower affected communities.