Summary
Berkshire Hathaway, led by Warren Buffett, operates the nation’s dirtiest coal plant fleet, emitting the most nitrogen oxides (NOx) in 2023 despite $41B in renewable energy investments.
The plants lack advanced pollution controls (SCR scrubbers), causing significant health and environmental damage, including up to 260 annual deaths and $3.9B in healthcare costs.
For example, the plants in Iowa reduce air quality in Omaha and surrounding areas, leading to premature deaths, healthcare costs, and lost school days. Omaha’s air quality ranks in the bottom third of U.S. cities.
Berkshire has resisted installing pollution controls, prioritizing cost-effectiveness over environmental responsibility.