Great progress has been made in the industry's efforts to reduce the environmental impact of electricity generation, even as demand for electricity increases. The U.S. electric power sector has reduced air emissions substantially under existing programs.

• Since 1990, the industry has cut sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions by 94 percent and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions by 86 percent. 

• As a result of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) and other Clean Air Act regulations, from 2010 to 2017, the power sector has reduced mercury emissions by 86 percent and total emissions of hazardous air pollutants by 96 percent.​

The power sector is regulated under many Clean Air Act programs:

• Mercury  
  Find out about the electric power industry's commitment to reducing mercury emissions.

• Ozone
  Find out how electric companies are reducing emissions that form ozone.
• Particulate Matter
  Learn how electric companies are reducing emissions that form particulate matter.