Benchmarking Air Emissions of the 100 Largest Electric Power Producers in the U.S.

NRDC and partners release the 17th collaborative effort highlighting the environmental performance in the nation’s electric power sector. This Benchmarking Air Emissions of the 100 Largest Power Producers in the United States, July 2021 report is based on 2020 generation and emissions data.

Data on U.S. power plant generation and air emissions are available to the public through several databases maintained by state and federal agencies. Publicly- and privately-owned electric generating companies are required to report fuel and generation data to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Most power producers are also required to report air pollutant emissions data to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These data are reported and recorded at the boiler, generator, or plant level, and must be combined and presented so that company-level comparisons can be made across the industry.

The Benchmarking report facilitates the comparison of emissions performance by combining generation and fuel consumption data compiled by EIA with emissions data on sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO2) and mercury compiled by EPA; error checking the data; and presenting emissions information for the nation's 100 largest power producers in a graphic format that aids in understanding and evaluating the data. The report is intended for a wide audience, including electric industry executives, environmental advocates, financial analysts, investors, journalists, power plant managers, and public policymakers.

Benchmarking Air Emissions of the 100 Largest Electric Power Producers in the United States, May 2008

Benchmarking Air Emissions: Data Tables