WASHINGTON – This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released its annual data on 2023 emissions from power plants in the lower 48 states. Nationwide, emissions for 2023 show the most significant emissions reductions since 2020. Emission drops resulted primarily from changes in the mix of fossil fuel-fired generation and improved efficiency.
“This snapshot of progress over the past year shows we are moving in the right direction, but more progress is needed,” said Joseph Goffman, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “President Biden is committed to building a clean energy future, and EPA will continue to work with state, Tribal and local leaders, in addition to major players in the power sector, to build on our progress and protect public health.”
Data from 2023 show an 18% decrease in coal generation and an 8% increase in natural gas generation from 2022. From 2022-2023, emission rates at coal facilities for sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides improved by 7% and 3%, respectively. Roughly half of this improvement resulted from units more effectively operating their existing controls and half resulted from increased utilization of more highly controlled units.
Compared to 2022, the 2023 data show a 15% decrease in NOX emissions, a 24% decrease in SO2 emissions, a 7% decrease in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and a 17% decrease in mercury emissions. Additionally, ozone season (May 1 to September 30) NOX emissions decreased by 9% nationwide and 18% for the 10 states implementing the Good Neighbor Plan.
Between 1990 and 2023, annual emissions of SO2 from power plants fell by 96% and annual emissions of NOX from power plants fell by 90%. In 2023, sources in both the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule annual program and the Acid Rain Program together emitted 0.65 million tons of SO2, a reduction of 11.2 million tons from 1995 levels. Additionally in 2023, sources in these programs together emitted 0.64 million tons of NOx, a 5.2-million-ton reduction from 1995 levels. While complying with programs to reduce SO2, NOx, and mercury, power plants reduced their CO2 emissions by 28% between 1995 and 2023.
These long-term declines in power sector emissions reduce air pollution and protect public health. NOX and SO2 emissions contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and particulate matter, which can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Exposure to mercury, a potent neurotoxin, can adversely affect growing brains and nervous systems in infants and children, as well as affect the central nervous system and cardiovascular function of adults.
EPA collects detailed SO2, NOX, CO2, and mercury emission data and other information from power plants across the country as part of the Acid Rain Program, the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Programs, and the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards. Emissions data collected through these programs are posted online and accessible to the public in summary form on the Emissions Comparisons page. More information about power plants is available on EPA’s Power Sector Programs website.