Clean Energy Imperative
for Earth Day 2000 and Beyond

New Report Highlights Health and Environmental Dangers of Fossil Fuels and Nuclear Power; Calls for Consumer and Policymaker Support of Renewable Energy

Washington, DC — Switching to electricity generated from renewable energy sources such as wind, geothermal, solar and biopower will come an absolute necessity for a clean environmental future, according to a new report released by Renewable Energy Policy Project (REPP-CREST). The report, issued as part of the Earth Day 2000 Clean Energy Agenda, offers comparative analysis of the polluting history of traditional energy sources such as fossil fuels and nuclear power, with some sobering results.

In "The Environmental Imperative for Renewable Energy: An Update," author Adam Serchuk exposes hazardous pollutants, radiation, water quality and land degradation, wildlife effects and other environmental impacts of coal, natural gas, oil and hydropower. The report is an update of a previous publication of the same name published in 1995.

"As we found in 1995, any energy technology will have an impact on the environment. Nevertheless, renewable energy proves far less damaging than heavily subsidized fossil fuel, large-scale hydro and nuclear technologies," said Serchuk, who has a doctorate in Science and Technology Studies. "The future of energy for policy makers, businesses and consumers lies in renewables."

"Policies and markets must converge to make clean power the only power. Government and businesses have important roles to play, but individuals can also make a difference," said Denis Hayes, National Coordinator of the first Earth Day in 1970 and Chair of Earth Day Network. "Consumers can promote renewable energy by choosing green power when they have the opportunity and by voting green at the polls."

"Environmental Imperative" relates some disturbing statistics about traditional energy sources such as coal. Serchuk notes recent reports of endangered harbor seals and California sea lions dying in water intake vents of nuclear power plants. Additionally, the waste and emissions from power plants include dangerous levels of radiation, mercury, sulfur dioxide and other toxic substances. At their most severe, effects of traditional energy sources include worsening of the global climate; threatening to endangered species; and increasing public health risks of respiratory disease, cancer, and other ailments.

REPP-CREST explores the emerging relationships among markets, policy and public demand for renewable energy. Earth Day Network is the international organization coordinating Earth Day 2000 events worldwide. For more information please visit Earth Day's website.

Contact Mary Kathryn Campbell at 202-293-2898, or visit REPP's website for copies of: "The Environmental Imperative for Renewable Energy: An Update" by Adam Serchuk, Ph.D.

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