Diablo’s closure will have ill effects on health of SLO County residents
When the San Onofre nuclear plant near San Diego closed, health impacts were inevitable.
A great increase in burning fossil fuel for electricity took place, and the waste went into the air Californians had to breathe.
Regarding Diablo Canyon, despite PG&E’s hopes to increase wind and solar power, fossil fuel use must ramp up to keep our lights on at night and when the wind does not blow.
The American Lung Association’s website wrote about fossil fuel pollution: “Ozone and particle pollution are the most widespread, but they aren’t the only serious air pollutants. Others include carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide, as well as scores of toxins such as mercury, arsenic, benzene, formaldehyde and acid gases. Children face special risks from air pollution because their lungs are growing and because they are so active.”
If we acquiesce to PG&E’s plan to close our clean Diablo Canyon plant, we must also be ready to accept the negative health impact for local residents, including our children.
William Gloege, Santa Maria
This story was originally published July 8, 2016 at 9:19 PM with the headline "Diablo’s closure will have ill effects on health of SLO County residents."