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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Ashland-area resident running for Congress ... Body found in Illinois River near Selma ... Only a few bills still alive in what remains of Oregon legislative session ... Ashland-area resident running for Congress ... Body found in Illinois River near Selma ... Only a few bills still alive in what remains of Oregon legislative session ... GUEST OPINION Guest Opinion: Coal transition bill would have health benefits Comment By Mona J. McArdle MailTribune.com By Mona J. McArdle Posted Feb. 28, 2016 at 12:01 AM By Mona J. McArdle Posted Feb. 28, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News This week, the Oregon Legislature is working on a bill known as The Clean Electricity and Coal Transition plan. It recently passed the House by a 39-20 bipartisan vote. Although this bill is noteworthy for its bipartisanship on behalf of the will of Oregon’s voters, its importance rests on its commitment to transition coal-fired power out of our electricity supply over the next 14 years, while replacing it with renewable energy that will bring cleaner air and healthier communities. Today, Oregon relies on dirty, out-of-state coal-fired power plants for roughly one-third of our electricity. Pacific Power, the large utility that serves many of us, burns coal for two-thirds of its power. While these coal-fired power plants are not located in Oregon, but in states across the West, we know that dangerous coal pollution does not stop at state borders. Transitioning our state from a reliance on coal is a critical step we can take to reduce coal pollution and protect health across the region. Coal-fired plants account for more than 30 percent of our nation’s total carbon pollution, directly contributing to climate disruption that has the potential to exacerbate public health threats here in Oregon and across the globe. From respiratory illness such as asthma or emphysema (COPD) to cardiovascular disease and even premature death, the consequences of burning coal are clear for physicians like me. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 440,000 children and adults are hospitalized each year, with asthma being the primary diagnosis for hospitalization, and 10.6 million visits were made to physicians specifically for asthma. Scientists studying the effects of mercury on neurodevelopment found that 15.7 percent of all babies born in the US have elevated levels of mercury. This is only one of at least 50 toxic chemical emissions from coal, which can trigger impairment of brain development from fetus through childhood. These illnesses disproportionately affect the most vulnerable in our communities, including young children and the elderly. Unless we act to confront these growing threats, these health impacts will only grow worse in a compromised environment and rapidly warming world. Transitioning away from coal-fired power and increasing the amount of clean, renewable energy to power our communities will protect future generations from the damaging health impacts of coal pollution. The beginning of this transition will endow our children with cleaner air to breathe, and The Clean Electricity and Coal Transition bill gives us hope that we may leave their children a world with a less volatile climate. Perhaps what is most remarkable is that this bill is supported by utilities who were once resistant to phasing out coal, environmental advocates, a chorus of Oregon business leaders and communities affected by climate change and air pollution. In our pursuit of clean air for healthy communities, Oregonians have frequently voiced a desire for progress. As our elected officials deliberate on the bill this week, it’s again up to Oregonians to call upon their lawmakers to support the quickest path to a clean energy future and a healthier place to live. Mona J. McArdle, M.D., of Ashland, is an urgent care physician. By Mona J. McArdle MailTribune.com By Mona J. McArdle Posted Feb. 28, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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