Coal helped drive an increase in U.S. power plant emissions last year, according to new data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Coal-powered energy generation leaped 16% in 2021 compared to 2020, as the post-pandemic economic recovery gathered pace.
Year on year, nitrogen oxide emissions rose by 6%, sulfur dioxide by 20%, carbon dioxide by 7%, and mercury emissions by 13%. The figures reflect the 3% increase in electricity demand in 2021, compared to the previous year.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said, “The 2021 increase in coal-fired generation and resulting rise in air pollution shows how important it is to urgently forge ahead in building and supporting a cleaner power sector.”
Long-Term Emissions Data Gives Cause for Hope
The year 2020, with its global lockdowns caused by COVID, may soon become an outlier in what is a long-term drop in emissions. Comparing 2019 and 2021 shows emissions falling between 3% and 11%, representing a decreasing trend.
Further EPA data shows that sulfur dioxide emissions from power plants in the U.S. dropped 92% between 1990 and 2021. Similarly, nitrogen oxide emissions fell 87%.
Carbon dioxide emissions, which increased from 1995 to 2014, have been below 2014 levels each year since. The lower pollutant levels have been achieved despite gross electricity generation remaining relatively stable at 2.36-2.65 billion megawatt-hours during the last six years.
There is still work to be done. The average North American resident’s carbon emissions of 15.3 metric tons per person per year make it the highest-polluting continent globally.
EPA Hopeful of Better Health Outcomes With Lower Emissions
Particles and ground-level ozone created by nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Mercury can affect people’s brain and nervous system, especially children.
EPA observations showed that sulfate concentrations in the eastern United States had fallen 76-79% between the 2000-2002 and 2018-2020 measurement periods. As a result, monitored lakes and streams in the Adirondacks, New England, and the Catskill mountains have seen improvements in their ecosystems.
Some 89 of 92 eastern areas that failed ozone level requirements in 1997 are now fully compliant with standards.
Mr. Regan continued, “We have made great progress in lowering dangerous pollution over the last several decades. But it’s clear our work is far from done, as we deliver on our commitment to protect the health of everyone and especially those most vulnerable among us.”
Electric Vehicle Maker Also Contributes to Emissions
Electric vehicles (EVs) are seen as a significant growth area for automobile sales. The Edison Electric Institute anticipates more than 20% of U.S. light-duty vehicle sales to be EVs by 2030.
However, EV giant Tesla has agreed to pay a $275,000 penalty after the EPA found they had committed Clean Air Act violations. Tesla’s manufacturing plant in Fremont, California, had been applying coating materials containing formaldehyde, ethylbenzene, naphthalene, and xylene.
The EPA found that the EV company had failed to calculate and minimize hazardous air-pollutants emissions, hadn’t kept required records, or demonstrated compliance with air pollutant standards. Tesla has since corrected its operations and returned to compliance, the EPA reported.
EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman said, “EPA takes seriously every company’s obligation to safeguard our environment and protect our most vulnerable communities.”
This Year Will Be Pivotal for Travel Direction of Emissions
The COVID pandemic’s lockdowns and subsequent economic recovery make 2020 and 2021’s emissions figures challenging to place accurately within long-term energy and emissions trends.
Long term, the U.S. has managed to reduce its emissions while maintaining its energy consumption levels. Continuingly lower emissions will help the country on its journey to President Joe Biden’s stated goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
The International Monetary Fund predicts a 4.4% global growth in 2022. This year, the United States should enjoy a 4% increase in its GDP, slowing to 2.6% next year.
Politicians have said much about a green recovery from the COVID pandemic. These next two years will be vital in showing how advanced economies like the United States can mix economic growth with cleaner energy supplies.
Opinion writer: Tom Shearman
The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the various authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, or viewpoints of Interactive Energy Group, LLC (IEG) or its parent companies or affiliates and may have been created by a third party contracted by IEG. Any content provided by the bloggers or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any individual, organization, company, group, or anyone or anything.
Brought to you by energysavings.com
All images licensed from Adobe Stock.
Featured Image