Phasing out coal will save millions in health costs, doctors say

Surrounded by doctors and representatives from health agencies, Alberta's ministers of environment andhealth touted theirgovernment's plan to phaseoutall coal-fired powerplants within 15 years.

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The 18 coal-fired generators in Alberta account for one-third of all sulfur dioxideemissions in the province, said Dr. JoeVipond ofthe Canadian Association ofPhysiciansfor the Environment.

"As soon as plants close down, we have commensurate decrease in some of those pollutants."

Cutting back on those emissions willreduce asthma attacks and cardiac illnessand save millions of visits to emergency departments, the province says.

The Alberta Medical Association adopted a position in September to lobby the province toend the use of coalas soon as possible.

But the companies that burn coal to produce more than half theprovince's power say the plan will hurt the province.

Alberta already has a very good environmental image, said Robin Campbell, president of the Coal Association of Canada.

The move away from coal will have a negative impact on the province's economy, on mining companies and on miners themselves.

"Of course we're disappointed that the government is taking the position they are on coal-fired generation in the province of Alberta," said Campbell, who served as finance minister under Alberta's former Tory government.

"We're concerned it that will put the province at a competitive disadvantage when it comes to power."

Environment Minister Shannon Phillips said negotiations withindustry on the early shutdown of coal-fired plants will beginshortly.

With files from The Canadian Press