Supplying the grid with carbon-free power has never been more urgent. This is not just about technology or policy—it’s about protecting children from preventable illness, while safeguarding communities everywhere from the most devastating impacts of climate change.

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While headlines sometimes focus on speculative links, such as acetaminophen’s possible role in autism, the science on fossil fuels is far more conclusive. Research from the Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health and other leading institutions has shown that exposure to pollution from burning fossil fuels—beginning in the womb—is a significant contributor to autism spectrum disorders, cognitive and behavioral challenges, preterm birth, low birth weight, and other developmental harms.

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Decades of longitudinal studies done by CCCEH make it clear: fossil fuel emissions are fueling a profound public health crisis. They are the dominant source of both CO₂, the main driver of climate change, and the air pollutants that harm children and families every day.

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That’s why decarbonizing the grid is both urgent and essential. By scaling renewables like wind and solar, tapping geothermal’s reliable base-load, and accelerating advanced nuclear deployment, we can build a carbon-free energy system that cuts harmful pollutants, protects children at their most vulnerable stages, and ensures healthier, safer communities across the board—while also mitigating climate risks for generations to come.