Environment

Blog: Moapa Band battles pollution at coal-fired power plant





"For almost 50 years, the Moapa Piaute Band has been living near one of the dirtiest coal plants in the nation, getting exposed to dangerous levels of noxious gases, coal ash, and water pollution. However, they haven’t seen the economic benefits they were promised – or any of the electricity.

In the 60’s, when the project developer needed support from the local Piautes to build the Reid Gardner power plant, a contract was drafted promising to hire members of the tribe. But today, no Piautes are employed at the plant, even while asthma rates, thyroid problems and cancer rates increase, according to the tribe."

Get the Story:
Video: Is Nevada Coal Plant an Example of Environmental Injustice? (Think Progress 2/14)

Related Stories:
William Anderson: Moapa Band deals with power plant pollution (12/05)
Moapa Band sues to stop expansion of landfill at power plant (10/11)

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