Today EPA released a new edition of the Emissions and Generation Integrated Resource Database (eGRID), a comprehensive source of data on the environmental characteristics of virtually all electric power plants in the United States. EPA also released an updated Power Profiler, an easy-to-use application that helps people understand how their electricity use affects the environment.
eGRID2012 with year 2009 data is now available
eGRID’s carbon dioxide output emission rates are commonly used in carbon footprinting calculators and greenhouse gas inventories. eGRID provides researchers and policy makers with a powerful set of information about electric generators in one place. eGRID data are used widely by EPA and others to show the impacts of electricity generation and the benefits of reducing demand for grid-supplied electricity.
eGRID contains emissions and emission rate information for the following air pollutants and greenhouse gases: nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). CO2, CH4, and N2O are greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming or climate change. NOxand SO2 contribute to unhealthy air quality and acid rain in many parts of the country. eGRID also includes data on electric generation, fuel mix (for renewable and nonrenewable generation), and many other power plant attributes. eGRID presents this information for power plants and for states, three different sets of electric grid boundaries, and the United States in total. See the eGRID website for details.
EPA’s Power Profiler updated with new eGRID data
Power Profiler is an online application that reveals the resource mix and air emissions information about electricity generation in your region. Enter a zip code, select a utility, and learn about the impacts of energy generation in your area.
State and local officials interested in additional information about developing and implementing cost-effective climate and energy strategies that help further environmental goals and achieve public health and economic benefits may visit EPA’s State and Local Climate and Energy Program site.
Source: EPA
