Emissions in the United States are far cleaner than they were 25 years ago. Cars produce fewer emissions, and electric plants have better pollution controls. These changes are due in part to the federal and state regulation of harmful pollutants.
Best Available Control Technology
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency uses a standard called “Best Available Control Technology” when deciding whether a power plant should be approved or expanded. The BACT standard means that power producers must employ the most advanced control measures possible to minimize pollution. To date, these emissions are regulated for power plants in the United States:
- Mercury
- Particulate Matter (PM)
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
- Lead and lead compounds
- Ozone (O3)
- Nitrogen Oxides (NOX)
- Sulfur Oxides (SOX)
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is not currently regulated as a pollutant. However, legislation currently in Congress could place limits on the amount of CO2 produced.
