Burning coal emits more greenhouse gases than any other fossil fuel, risks spontaneous combustion, and is incredibly inefficient. Even carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technology can’t completely recapture the carbon that’s released—and even if it could, the process remains energy-intensive and expensive. That’s why there are currently only 15 operational CCS facilities in the United States.

In addition to its effect on our climate, burning coal releases a slew of harmful pollutants, including mercury and cadmium, into nearby communities. This exposure has been linked to respiratory and neurological impacts—and the dumping of toxic coal ash after burning coal also leaches toxic substances into our groundwater.