Assessment Of The Health And Environmental Effects Of Power Generation In The Midwest

This report presents an initial evaluation of the major health and environmental issues associated with increased coal use in the six Midwestern states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Using an integrated assessment approach, the evaluation proceeds from a base-line scenario of energy demand and facility siting for the period 1975 to 2020. Emphasis is placed on impacts from coal extraction, land reclamation, coal combustion for electrical generation, and coal gasification. The range of potential impacts and constraints is illustrated by a second scenario that represents an expected upper limit for coal utilization in Illinois. Volume I of the report includes a characterization of the energy demand and siting scenarios, coal related technologies, and coal resources, and the related impacts on air quality, water quality, and human health. Volume II includes background information on the native ecosystems, climate, soils, and agricultural land use and a description of the ecological impacts expected from coal utilization in southern Illinois, which as ecosystems representative of a large segment of the six-state area.

Abstract : A growing body of research has established the connection between emissions from fossil fuels and severe impacts on human health, such as asthma attacks in children and adults and chronic cardiovascular problems. This work evaluates in monetary terms the implementation of two energy-saving scenarios. Illinois, as a state with high coal electricity generating content, has been chosen as a case study to quantify the impacts brought up by air pollution on public health. The potential benefits of improved air quality and health are the considered results of implemented energy efficiency technologies. This report is a culmination of a summer internship project at the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance that links emissions, public health, and energy efficiency practices for commercial and residential buildings. Using Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) AVoided Emissions and geneRation Tool (AVERT) and CO-Benefits Risk Assessment (COBRA) tools demonstrates that increased compliance with energy-efficiency portfolio standard (EEPS) by 0.2% will reduce PM2.5 emissions by 8.8 tons. The reduction contributes to an additional 1.2-3.2 million US dollars saved from avoided health impacts.

The present report is intended to assist in the design and implementation of comparative risk assessment studies for the estimation of health and environmental impacts of various electricity generation options. It sets out the framework for carrying out such assessments and identifies the major technical issues and uncertainties in the assessment process.