Not all sources of energy are created equal.

Dirty Energy isn't dirty only when it's used

Much of the discussion of dirty energy impacts focuses on what happens when an energy source is used -- the pollution coming from smokestacks and tailpipes.

What is less well known is the damage and pollution caused by extracting the raw materials for our fuel sources, long before they are consumed for energy.

Producing Dirty Energy is dirty too

Mountain top removal coal mining

To understand the real cost of energy, to make informed decisions about our energy future, we must also understand the way our energy sources are produced.

For the world’s dirtiest forms of energy, this is not a pretty picture -- and we pay the price in ruined landscapes, destroyed habitats, pollution of our water and air, and threats to the health of wildlife, our climate, and our communities.

Those who live near energy projects already know what the true cost of developing dirty energy can be, and that some sources are not worth it under any circumstances -- that we all end up paying too much for dirty energy.

For More Information

• NDE: coal

• NDE: coal-to-liquids

• NDE: oil and gas

• NDE: oil shale

• NDE: tar sands

• NDE: uranium

• NDE: dirty energy impacts

• NDE: community voices