The whole "all energy production is bad" theme of most environmental groups is pretty self-destructive. It feeds into the worst form of NIMBYism that results in people not wanting wind turbines because they "obstruct their view". Jeez, give me a break! Where does it end with NIMBY? How about we go NIMBY on wasteful consumption!

I'll tell you want I don't want in my backyard - wasteful inefficient cars that blare their horn right in front of my apartment at all hours of the night and present the quickest way to the emergency room for pedestrians and bikers.

But in terms of production, I think the real problem is that the local community does not reap the benefits of the energy production. I think each community should try to become as self sufficient in energy production as possible so if Virginia wants to have offshore drill and risk ruining their beaches instead of finding alternatives, let them decide that and reap the benefits or consequences of their decisions. But let it be done locally, not nationally.

Mercury, a trivial health risk?  Not if you eat game fish.

Improvements like IGCC could cut mercury emissions by 90% or more, along with huge cuts in sulfur, NOx and particulates and a large boost in efficiency.  I see every reason to cut mercury emissions limits.

I have been a Sierra CLub member for many years, although I don't agree with a number their stands. However, I have been angry when, for example, people in CA where I live blamed environmentalists for the energy crisis in 2001. The Sierra Club earlier supported the construction of most(not all) proposed Natl gas powerplants because at the time (the 80's) they were seen as cleaner than alternatives, with plentiful fuel that at the time was often just flamed off. Most of these weren't built for NIMBY or economic reasons. People seem to confuse NIMBY with environmentalism. In fact, the biggest, lawsuit-happiest opponents of powerplants, drilling, refineries etc can also be wealthy, powerful, very conservative communities protecting property values. Just try to site a well offshore a wealthy, exclusive Fla community.

On the other hand, it is true that environmental groups can seem to operate in NIMBY fashion as well, suing to stop a powerplant but wanting the energy to come from somewhere else. Don't forget, however, that most pollution laws have arisen in response to harm that has been done. There are many areas where people are advised not to eat more than a small amount of local fish because many cumulative "minor" sources of mercury finally resulted in unsafe concentrations in the food chain.