[stanleydrew]

> If it is not economically feasible to run a coal plant if they do not externalize the pollution cost, how is that my problem?

Well it's your problem because they currently do externalize the pollution cost, and the status quo is difficult to overcome.

> Why do we allow coal operators to enrich themselves at the cost of everyone else?

Great question, but the rough answer is that a lot of people don't believe (or don't want to believe) that the cost to everyone else is meaningful.