Implementation Key for New EPA Rules Affecting the U.S. Power Generation Sector

摘要

Edison Electric Institute (EEI) and its member electric power companies have long shared a commitment with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect the environment. The industry has significantly lowered power plant emissions, even as the demand for electricity has continued to grow. In fact, national sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from power plants in 2009 were 67% lower than they were in 1980, and nitrogen oxides (NO_X) emissions declined 72% over the same time period (see Figure 1). Even more impressive is the 80% reduction in ozone season NO_X emissions in the East since 1990. EEI estimates that these efforts to control traditional air emissions have helped reduce mercury emissions by approximately 50% as well. What is truly remarkable is that as these emissions reductions were taking place, electricity use qrew 85%.