Depends on fuel sourcing. Depends on what pollution control measures are applied. Some pollution is just a stage while demand grows enough to warrant a supply of better.
Were these “clean advocates” to take on what they demand of others, they may finally discover that “clean” isn’t nearly as much so as they expect.
Be they right or wrong, pious or deluded, if they won’t live how they demand all others do, they’re a bunch of hypocrites who have no business pestering others.
I agree with your premise for sure. Where I diverge is when the complete life cycle is factored.