New Study Confirms Coal Dust Clean Up and Asthma Mitigation Fund Financially Feasible, Will Provide Critical Health Benefits to Marylanders
A new independent study conducted by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) confirms that the proposed Coal Dust Clean Up and Asthma Mitigation Fund (SB 882 / HB 1088) is not only economically viable, but represents a smart policy solution to address pollution impacts while providing direct health benefits to Maryland communities.
The study examined how a proposed $13 per ton fee on coal transported through Maryland would impact transportation costs and export patterns. The research found that for the Northern Appalachian mines in West Virginia (which account for the vast majority of coal exported through the Port of Baltimore), diverting coal exports to avoid the fee would cost significantly more than simply paying it.
“The UMCES study makes clear that for the vast majority of coal exported from the Port of Baltimore, the cost of the proposed coal fee is less than the cost of diverting coal to the Port of Virginia. This means that the coal fee would generate significant funds for climate mitigation while having little, if any, impact on the Port of Baltimore,” said Delegate Dana Stein, sponsor of the bill in the House of Delegates.
The research shows that mines would face an average increased transportation cost of $27.41 per ton if they attempted to reroute their shipments to avoid the fee – more than double the proposed $13 fee. This indicates the fee has been thoughtfully considered to generate revenue for health and climate programs without disrupting Maryland’s port operations or economic competitiveness.
“This study confirms what we’ve been saying all along – the Coal Dust Clean Up and Asthma Mitigation Fund is a balanced approach that holds polluters accountable while directly supporting the communities most impacted by coal transport,” said Kim Coble, Executive Director of Maryland LCV. “Most importantly, the funds generated will provide actual asthma treatment to residents living along coal transport routes who have suffered the health consequences of air pollution for far too long.”
The legislation, modeled after Maryland’s successful oil transport fee program, would generate approximately $300 million annually for climate and health programs, with 40% specifically directed to support overburdened and underserved communities affected by coal transport. The bill dedicates $5 million annually specifically for asthma treatment programs targeting residents living along coal transport routes.
Maryland LCV is urging legislators to support this commonsense measure that provides a fair and practical solution to address pollution impacts while helping Maryland meet its climate goals and improving health outcomes for vulnerable communities.