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Quarterly Emissions Tracking

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EPA regularly posts updates of quarterly sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions data from coal-fired power plants subject to the Acid Rain Program to make it easy for the public to track changes in emissions from these sources.

Since the D.C. Circuit Court decision to vacate the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) in late 2008, allowance prices of SO2 and NOx have been increasingly low. This has raised concerns that coal-fired units could “backslide” on emission reductions. For example, units could burn dirtier fuels, operate scrubbers or SCRs at reduced efficiency, or even bypass scrubbers or SCRs altogether, relying instead on banked allowances. EPA is tracking SO2 and NOx emissions closely each quarter to evaluate further progress and assess whether backsliding may be occurring and, if so, where it may be taking place.

EPA is adding new data to this website on a quarterly basis as it becomes available. For additional information and a detailed description of the analyses presented here, please see the background section of this site.

The data show that while a few facilities are emitting more SO2 and/or NOx or emitting SO2 and/or NOx at a greater rate in 2011 than in 2010, overall emissions are still declining.

Motion chart graphic of United States

Quarterly ARP Coal-fired Power Plant Emission Data: 2010 vs. 2011

The data presented here compare emissions, emission rates, and heat input from power plant units in the Acid Rain Program. These files graphically and spatially compare quarterly emission data from 2011 with data for the same quarter from 2010. The data presented here are final data for 2010 and preliminary data for 2011 that are currently under review. As data are reviewed and verified, these materials will be updated.

 

Annual ARP Coal-fired Power Plant Emission Data: 2008 vs. 2010

Table of National Aggregated Emissions, Emission Rates, Heat Input: 1990, 2000, 2005, 2008 and 2009

(PDF 17KB).

The data presented here compare emissions, emission rates, and heat input from power plant units in the Acid Rain Program. These files graphically and spatially compare annual emission data from 2010 with 2008. The data presented here are final data for 2008 and 2010.

Coal-fired Characteristics and Controls: 2010

The data presented here provide emissions, heat input, capacity, on-line year, emission controls, program applicability, addresses, and additional identifying information for coal-fired power plant units, regardless of their inclusion the Acid Rain Program. These files contain data current as of 2010.

The data show the percent of coal-fired units, generating capacity, and generation with advanced emission controls.

Changes in Control Technologies at Coal-Fired Units: 2000-2014

SO2 emissions from 2000-2014 The following figures display where particular control technologies have been installed between 2000 to 2008 as well as what technologies EPA anticipates will be installed in 2010, 2012, and 2014 based on the information obtained from major company contacts and industry sources.

The data show that more and more coal-fired units are installing advanced controls, such as scrubbers, which are dramatically reducing pollution across the country.

 

 

 

Interactive Motion Charts Showing Changes in ARP Emissions and Emission Rates

The following interactive motion charts show changes in emissions and emission rates over time and show, historically, how coal-fired power plants have responded to the Acid Rain Program.

The data show the dramatic reductions in SO2 and NOx emissions throughout the Acid Rain Program's history.

Video tutorials of interactive motion charts

Introductory video

Introduction to chart features

 

 

 

Technical background on emissions data

 

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