The Struggle Against Coal: A Community’s Battle for Health and Justice in North Omaha

In the heart of North Omaha, a neighborhood that’s been historically underserved, residents are grappling with a complex issue: the continued operation of the local coal-fired power plant. The Omaha Public Power District (OPPD), which serves much of eastern Nebraska, has long promised to phase out coal. But as of late 2025, that promise seems to drift further away, sparking concerns over environmental health and social justice.

A Decade of Broken Promises

It all began in June 2014, when OPPD’s board voted to retire three of the North Omaha Station’s five coal units. The plan included converting the remaining two units to natural gas by 2023, a significant step toward a cleaner energy future. Fast forward nearly a decade and the story has not unfolded as expected.

Despite the initial commitment, delays piled up, leaving coal as a crutch for the aging plant while power demands surged. The struggle to pivot away from coal became more complicated when OPPD management suggested in late 2025 that the utility delay retiring the last two units. This decision was couched in a seemingly reassuring statement from OPPD’s CEO, Javier Fernandez, who claimed a human health risk assessment showed the plant posed no significant health risks to nearby residents.

But was that really the case?

Distorted Findings and Community Skepticism

While OPPD communicated the assessment’s findings as reassurance, not everyone agreed with that interpretation. Six public health and environmental science experts, who reviewed the report on behalf of the Flatwater Free Press and Grist, raised red flags about its narrow focus on air pollution. The report failed to account for broader health issues linked to coal — a glaring oversight, especially for a community already plagued by high rates of asthma and respiratory issues.

Senator Terrell McKinney, a representative of North Omaha, voiced deep concerns about the implications of such a health assessment. “It didn’t speak to the historical impacts. It didn’t address the disproportionate amount of respiratory ailments that this community faces,” he stated. To him and many residents, the report felt like a slap in the face, overlooking a multitude of issues that had been affecting Black and brown communities for generations.

Voices From the Community

North Omaha isn’t just another area on a map; it’s a community with rich histories and hardships. With a population that’s 68% people of color, residents here have faced long-standing environmental injustices, including air pollution from industrial sources. You can almost feel the palpable frustration as community leaders express disappointment at what they see as a lackluster effort towards a healthier environment.

Craig Moody, a board member for OPPD, echoed those frustrations during a recent meeting. “Burning coal is not good for human health, and it’s really that simple,” he admitted, acknowledging the need for more honest discussions around environmental health.

Residents like Precious McKesson, President of the North Omaha Neighborhood Alliance, reinforced that sentiment during a recent board meeting. “Every time we get close to getting this coal plant closed, y’all move the goalposts,” she said, tapping into the broader narrative of neglect that many feel has grounded their community for too long.

The Broader Political Landscape

The situation reflects a significant tension between economic interests and public health. As OPPD faces lawsuits from the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office which argue that phasing out coal threatens the utility’s mandate to provide affordable electricity, it underscores the complex push-and-pull of modern energy policy.

This tension isn’t unique to Nebraska. Across the country, we see similar stories unfolding where politicians and utility companies face pressure to keep coal operational for its supposed affordability, despite its environmental toll.

An Uncertain Future

OPPD’s efforts to finally retire coal at North Omaha have been hindered by multiple obstacles, from supply chain challenges to the complex web of federal regulations. While the board set a new target for 2026 to stop burning coal, some experts are skeptical.

During a December board meeting, Moody expressed his disappointment over the delays and emphasized the need for timely action for the community’s sake. “I share in the frustration,” he said, embodying the sentiment felt by many in the room.

Even with intentions for a cleaner future, the lingering reliance on coal feels like a precarious tightrope walk. Community health leaders like Lindsay Huse, Director of the Douglas County Health Department, are particularly worried. “Removing coal from the mix could significantly reduce health risks for our residents,” she pointed out, illustrating how deeply the community’s health challenges are intertwined with the plant’s operations.

The Science Behind the Claims

The debate has become not just about coal’s legacy, but also about the quality of science applied to support utility claims. Critics have questioned the legitimacy of the EPRI (Electric Power Research Institute) health assessment, funded by OPPD, which some claim may have biases due to its ties to the utility industry. Jonathan Kim from the Energy and Policy Institute said, “EPRI has every incentive to tell the utility what it wants to hear.”

In response, EPRI defended its rigorous research standards, maintaining that it’s an independent entity. But skepticism remains, as many question whether the gaps in the report have downplayed the potential health risks associated with the plant.

Community Action and Advocacy

Residents and health advocates are growing increasingly vocal, demanding transparency and accountability. Community forums and local coalitions continue to rally against the perception that OPPD’s decisions are being made without addressing the needs of those most affected. The message is clear: North Omaha won’t back down in the face of bureaucracy.

As the community pushes for meaningful change, it’s imperative that they remain engaged, vocal, and visible. The road to clean energy and better public health is fraught with complexities, but the voices calling for equity and justice can’t be ignored.

Lessons for the Future

This story serves as a poignant reminder of the intersection between environmental policy and social justice. The struggle against coal in North Omaha isn’t just about an energy source; it’s about the health of a community and the legacy that future generations will inherit.

The delays in transitioning away from coal not only perpetuate health issues but also shine a spotlight on deeper systemic problems that affect marginalized communities. It’s easy to overlook the impact of such industrial facilities, but for those living near them, the ramifications are felt every day, in the form of chronic illnesses and a sense of disenfranchisement.

Ending Thoughts

As we follow this unfolding drama in North Omaha, it’s essential to remember that behind every statistic lies a human story. These residents have the right to clean air and a healthy future, and it’s up to all of us to ensure that their voices are heard. We need to ask ourselves: What does this mean for everyday people, and how can we support communities striving for their health and well-being?

For North Omaha, this is not just a battle for cleaner energy; it’s a fight for justice, dignity, and the promise of a healthier future. The time for action is now, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.