Fossil gas plants, also known as “natural” gas plants, emit various types of pollution. The main pollutants emitted by gas plants include carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane, which are greenhouse gasses that contribute to climate change, as well as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). NOx and SO2 are major contributors to smog and acid rain, which can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment. PM and VOCs can also have harmful effects on human health, including respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
Overall, the pollution emitted by gas plants can have significant environmental and health impacts. This is why there is a growing push towards cleaner energy sources, such as wind and solar power, that emit little to no pollution.
Minnesota is at a critical juncture when it comes to the energy choices it makes. Every year, the state’s existing fossil gas plants release climate pollution equivalent to hundreds of thousands of cars. And if new gas plants are built, that number will only go up. Xcel Energy, Minnesota Power, and Rochester Public Utilities have all proposed building new fossil gas plants to serve their customers.
Given the urgent need to address the climate crisis and protect the health of our communities, it’s clear that we can’t afford to continue relying on fossil gas. It’s not clean or safe for our health and climate. Instead, we must prioritize the transition to clean, renewable energy sources like wind and solar. By investing in renewable energy, we can reduce our carbon footprint, improve public health, and protect our planet for future generations.