EPA Releases 2023 Emissions Data

EPA releases 2023 power plant emissions data

Data shows significantly lower emissions in 2023, reflecting successful

efforts to protect public health by reducing pollution and improving air

quality.

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 NO emissions, a 24% decrease in SO emissions, a 7% decrease in carbon dioxide (CO ) emissions, and a 17% decrease in mercury emissions. Additionally, ozone season (May 1 to September 30) NO emissions decreased by 9% nationwide and 18% for the 10 states implementing the Good Neighbor Plan.

Between 1990 and 2023, annual emissions of SO from power plants fell by 96% and annual emissions of NO from power plants fell by 90% While complying with programs to reduce SO , NO , and mercury, power plants reduced their CO emissions by 28% between 1995 and 2023.

These long-term declines in power sector emissions reduce air pollution and protect public health. NO and SO 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 SO , NO , CO , 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.