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America’s electric companies work hard to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity in the most environmentally friendly way possible. These companies spend billions of dollars each year on environmental practices, technologies, and operational measures to protect human health and the environment.
The electric power industry is one of many sectors of the economy responsible for GHG emissions. During the generation of fossil fuel-based electricity—from coal, natural gas, and fuel oil—carbon dioxide (CO2) is released into the atmosphere. CO2 emissions are the primary GHG emission for which the electric power industry is responsible.
In 2005, the latest year for which data are available, the electric power sector undertook voluntary programs or projects that led to nearly two-thirds of all CO2-equivalent GHG reductions reported to the federal government.1
Going forward, the industry continues to look for new and innovative ways to generate electricity—and to use it wisely—while also protecting the environment.
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