You have a right to weigh in on new power plants in America. You'll certainly be paying for it for years to come, in more ways than one.

You can help by becoming an advocate for clean air and working to influence others. Talk to your neighbors, members of your church and other groups to help educate Americans about the true costs and consequences of building proposed coal-fired power plants across the country. Here are some other ways you can get involved:

• Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.
• Help recruit other advocates. Healthcare professionals are keenly aware of the consequences of coal pollution. The Sierra Club is also an active opponent of coal plants nationwide.