GAO Examines Air Emissions and Electricity Generation at U.S. Power Plants Relative to Power Plant Age

摘要

The GAO concluded that older fossil fuel-fired EGUs produce more emissions and less electricity than newer units, are less likely to use emission controls, and are generally less efficient than newer units. However, older units are still critical to the electricity supply system in the United States, particularly in certain regions of the country. The GAO provided a draft of the April 2012 report to both EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy for review and comment. Both agencies provided technical comments, which the GAO incorporated as it deemed appropriate.