EPA report says power plant emissions decreased in 2022

A new report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that emissions from power plants in the United States decreased in 2022, despite a 2 percent increase in electricity demand.

The EPA’s report cited changes in the mix of fuels used in electricity generation as the primary reason for lower emissions. Specifically, there was a 6 percent decrease in coal generation and a 7 percent increase in natural gas generation in 2022 compared to the previous year.

“Communities that live near power plants deserve the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards as everyone else,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said. “Our work is far from done, but the data prove we’re on the right path. We’ll continue to work with state, tribal, and local leaders, in addition to major players in the private sector, to build on our progress and protect public health.”

Overall, the EPA’S annual report showed a 4 percent decrease in nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions, a 10 percent decline in sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions, a 1 percent drop in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and a 3 percent decrease in mercury emissions. Also, ozone season, from May 1 to Sept. 30, saw a 10 percent decline in NOX emissions. NOX and SO2 emissions contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and particulate matter, which can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular problems.

Over time, there has been a significant drop in harmful emissions. According to the EPA, from 1990 to 2022, annual emissions of SO2 from power plants fell by 93 percent, and annual emissions of NOX from power plants fell by 87 percent. Also, power plants reduced their CO2 emissions by 22 percent between 1995 and 2022.