It is with considerable alarm and major concern that I note that the NSW Government has delayed the closure of the Eraring coal power station for a further two years. The NSW Government's Net Zero Plan was forecast to deliver a 35 per cent emissions reduction by 2030 by reducing the use of coal and promoting renewables.
The health effects of air pollution from coal mining and coal-fired power stations are well documented. The burning of coal emits hazardous air pollution and pollution from coal-fired power stations in NSW resulted in 46 deaths and cost $346 million in health costs per year (2023).
