U.S. Power Plant Air Pollution Emissions See Significant Reductions, Report Finds

Strategic Insights -

The United States has seen significant reductions in global warming pollution from power plants in recent years, with most of the nation's largest electric utilities achieving notable decreases in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. According to a new report by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Ceres, a nonprofit sustainability advocacy group, CO2 emissions from power plants decreased 12 percent from 2008 through 2013, while the economy continued to grow.

Southeastern, Midwestern, and Southwestern power producers have achieved some of the highest levels of improvement in their CO2 emission rates, with companies such as Entergy, Dominion, Hoosier Energy, and Associated Electric Cooperatives leading the way. On a state level, 42 states decreased their electric sector CO2 emissions between 2008 and 2013, with an average reduction of 19 percent. Emissions rates among the top 100 power producers vary significantly, ranging from 2,264 pounds of CO2 per megawatt-hour (MWh) to 200 lb/MWh.

"Most parts of the country are firmly on the path toward a clean energy future, but some states and utilities have a longer way to go and overall the carbon emissions curve is still not bending fast enough," said Mindy Lubber, president of Ceres. "To level the playing field for all utilities, and achieve the broader CO2 emissions cuts needed to combat climate change, we need final adoption of the Clean Power Plan."

Key Takeaways:

  • CO2 emissions from U.S. power plants decreased 12 percent from 2008 through 2013.
  • 42 states decreased their electric sector CO2 emissions between 2008 and 2013, with an average reduction of 19 percent.
  • Emissions rates among the top 100 power producers vary significantly, ranging from 2,264 pounds of CO2 per megawatt-hour to 200 lb/MWh.
  • Companies such as Entergy, Dominion, Hoosier Energy, and Associated Electric Cooperatives have achieved some of the highest levels of improvement in their CO2 emission rates.
  • Exelon and New York Power Authority report CO2 emissions rates of 200 lb/MWh or less.
  • Iberdrola and PGandE Corporation also report low CO2 emissions rates.
  • AEP, Southern, NRG, and MidAmerican generate 25% of CO2 emissions among the top 100 generators.
  • Three companies, AEP, Southern, and NRG, generate nearly 25% of SO2 emissions.

Statistics:

  • CO2 emissions from U.S. power plants decreased by 12% from 2008 through 2013.
  • 42 states decreased their electric sector CO2 emissions between 2008 and 2013, with an average reduction of 19%.
  • Emissions rates among the top 100 power producers range from 2,264 pounds of CO2 per megawatt-hour to 200 lb/MWh.
  • SO2 and NOX emissions in 2013 were 80% and 74% lower, respectively, than they were in 1990.

Sources:

  • Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
  • Ceres
  • U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)