Power plant emissions decreased significantly in 2023
Data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency shows that emissions from power plants in the lower 48 states decreased significantly in 2023. The agency attributes this reduction to changes in the mix of fossil fuel-fired generation and improved efficiency. In 2023, there was an 18% decrease in coal generation and an 8% increase in natural gas generation when compared to 2022 statistics. In addition, emission rates at coal facilities for sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides improved by 7% and 3%, respectively. These changes were primarily caused by improved controls, whether facilities were operating existing controls more effectively or increasing utilization of more highly controlled units. The 2023 data also depicted 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 when compared to data from 2022.
In a recent quote, Joseph Goffman, Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation, said, “This snapshot of progress over the past year shows we are moving in the right direction, but more progress is needed. 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.”
About the Author
Alexis GajewskiAlexis Gajewski
Senior Content Strategist
Alexis Gajewski is a manufacturing writer and editor with nearly 20 years of experience covering the people, practices, and technologies that keep industrial facilities running. For more than a decade, she served as Senior Content Strategist for Plant Services, creating content for plant managers, engineers, and maintenance professionals on a variety of industrial topics.
During her tenure, Alexis worked to develop the brand’s digital strategy and helped launch and produce Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast. She also created The Lighter Side of Manufacturing, a weekly blog that explored the inventive and sometimes humorous side of the industry.
Alexis co-founded Influential Women in Manufacturing, a recognition program that honored 49 women in its first two years, earned an industry award for Best Product Launch, and received a proclamation from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and a commendation from U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth.
She also led newsroom operations and development at a large media company where she set editorial standards, developed training curriculum, and helped support AI adoption for more than 150 editors across 80+ brands spanning manufacturing, industrial processing, automation, and more.
Additionally, Alexis works as a freelance writer and editor, and her areas of interest include continuous improvement, the skilled workforce, and the role of emerging technology on the plant floor.
Connect with Alexis on LinkedIn
