|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13,209,154 | 1,922,314 | 50,855 | 120,922 | 79,077,486 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Alabama is 149,248,103 MWh, or 3.66% of the total electricity production in the United State. Electricity is produced in about equal amounts from coal (31.7%) and natural gas (32.3%). Alabama is home to the nation’s second largest nuclear energy plant and the first such plant to generate more than 1 gigawatt of power; the Brown’s Ferry Nuclear Power Plant is located on the Tennessee River between Decatur and Athens, Alabama. In 2011, all three reactors in the plant were put on emergency shutdown as external power was lost due to a nearby tornado. The subsequent loss of electricity production capacity caused blackouts throughout the Southeastern states.
Additional environmental impacts from Alabama's electricity production include annual releases of up to 2,459 pounds of lead, 2,293 pounds of arsenic, and 1,361 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 53,055 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 350,274 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Additional environmental impacts from Alabama's electricity production include annual releases of up to 2,459 pounds of lead, 2,293 pounds of arsenic, and 1,361 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 53,055 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 350,274 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 268,515 | 41,817 | 11,021 | 2,105 | 2,654,106 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Alaska is 6,045,142 MWh, or 0.15% of the total electricity production in the United State; Electricity is produced predominantly from natural gas sourced mostly from the north slope area around Prudhoe Bay. Discovered in 1968, natural gas from this area is transported by pipeline for electricity production; much of this pipeline is underwater and aging rapidly, leading to natural gas leaks, such as the recent 2017 leak in Hilcorp, Alaska which leaked 210,000 cubic feet of natural gas every day from an underwater leak and took months to repair.
Additional environmental impacts from Alaska's electricity production include annual releases of up to 29 pounds of lead, 27 pounds of arsenic, and 16 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 256 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional environmental impacts from Alaska's electricity production include annual releases of up to 29 pounds of lead, 27 pounds of arsenic, and 16 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 256 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11,309,165 | 1,625,491 | 49,4344 | 22,611 | 60,793,076 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Arizona is 108,779,907 MWh, or 2.67% of the total electricity production in the United State. Arizona is home to the largest nuclear power plant in the country, the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, located in the western part of the state near Tonopah. It is the only large nuclear power plant that is not located near a large body of water and evaporates water from sewage treated in nearby cities to provide cooling. Arizona also ranks second in the country in electricity produced from solar sources and the state’s Renewable Environmental Standard requires that 15% of the state’s electricity come from renewable sources by the year 2025.
Additional environmental impacts from Arizona's electricity production include annual releases of up to 2151 pounds of lead, 2006 pounds of arsenic, and 1191 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 57,503 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 385,613 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Additional environmental impacts from Arizona's electricity production include annual releases of up to 2151 pounds of lead, 2006 pounds of arsenic, and 1191 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 57,503 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 385,613 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8,476,457 | 1,245,139 | 39,444 | 77,729 | 39,817,585 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Arkansas is 61,592,136 MWh, or 1.51% of the total electricity production in the United States. Although coal was the dominant source of electricity in 2014, its use dropped dramatically in 2015 to 39% of the state’s total electricity production. Natural gas is filling the gap left by declines in coal burning and is also used in Arkansas to dry rice, an energy thirsty process which causes a peak in natural gas usage in the autumn when the nation’s top rice producer processes the harvest. Outside of coal, natural gas, and nuclear energy, biomass supplies all of the state’s non-hydroelectric renewable energy.
Additional environmental impacts from Arkansas's electricity production include annual releases of up to 1727 pounds of lead, 1611 pounds of arsenic, and 956 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 28,792 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional environmental impacts from Arkansas's electricity production include annual releases of up to 1727 pounds of lead, 1611 pounds of arsenic, and 956 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 28,792 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6,680,665 | 817,719 | 23,056 | 5,334 | 54,774,531 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in California is 197,243,680 MWh, or 4.83% of the total electricity production in the United States. California ranks 49th in the country in energy usage per capita in no small part due to extensive and successful energy efficiency programs. California ranks first in production of electricity from solar, geothermal, and biomass sources and has over 130 power plants that convert waste to electricity for a total capacity of 1,000MW. By 2020, California must get 33% of its electricity from renewable resources.
Additional environmental impacts from California's electricity production include annual releases of up to 41 pounds of lead, 38 pounds of arsenic, and 23 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 41,936 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 342,058 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Additional environmental impacts from California's electricity production include annual releases of up to 41 pounds of lead, 38 pounds of arsenic, and 23 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 41,936 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 342,058 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8,508,112 | 1,226,827 | 42,389 | 27,259 | 42,896,148 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Colorado is 53,847,380 MWh, or 1.32% of the total electricity production in the United States. Colorado has the ninth highest solar electricity capacity in the country with significant portions coming from utility-scale power plants such as the 50 MW Hooper Photovoltaic Plant which opened in 2015 in the San Luis valley and supplies the equivalent electricity necessary to support about 13,500 households. Colorado is a solar friendly state not only due to dry, sunny weather but also customer-friendly, net metering laws that allow homeowners with solar installations to use the electricity produced from those panels at any time, regardless of when it was generated.
Additional environmental impacts from Colorado's electricity production include annual releases of up to 1692 pounds of lead, 1578 pounds of arsenic, and 937 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 24,647 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 27,663 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Additional environmental impacts from Colorado's electricity production include annual releases of up to 1692 pounds of lead, 1578 pounds of arsenic, and 937 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 24,647 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 27,663 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,245,481 | 292,375 | 6,909 | 1,832 | 9,056,717 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Connecticut is 33,651,816 MWh, or 0.82% of the total electricity production in the United States. All of Connecticut’s nuclear power and over 40% of its total electricity comes from the 2,088 MW Millstone nuclear station constructed in a former quarry in Waterford. The plant produces enough power for two million homes. Because of its cold winter climate, Connecticut consumes a great deal of energy in home heating with over a third of its residents using natural gas for home heating; the state also hosts a major home heating oil reserve site, which is intended to avoid disruptions in supply during the winter months. Less than 5% of electricity produced in Connecticut, however, comes from renewable resources.
Additional environmental impacts from Connecticut's electricity production include annual releases of up to 42 pounds of lead, 39 pounds of arsenic, and 23 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 6,638 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional environmental impacts from Connecticut's electricity production include annual releases of up to 42 pounds of lead, 39 pounds of arsenic, and 23 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 6,638 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 380,229 | 50,486 | 2,292 | 829 | 3,973,589 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Delaware is 7,598,247 MWh, or 0.19% of the total electricity production in the United States. A vast majority of Delaware’s electricity comes from power plants which use natural gas. The predominance of natural gas continues to increase from the 2014 numbers shown above. Coal burning also continues to decline in Delaware. Delaware has excellent prospects for building wind farms because it has a sizable offshore opportunities in the Atlantic Ocean, although recent setbacks in these plans have been significant. Increasing wind power will help Delaware reach its portfolio standard of 25% electricity stemming from renewable sources by mid-2026. This standard also requires Delaware to generate 3.5% of its electricity from solar energy within the same time period.
Additional environmental impacts from Delaware's electricity production include annual releases of up to 44 pounds of lead, 41 pounds of arsenic, and 24 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 2,849 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional environmental impacts from Delaware's electricity production include annual releases of up to 44 pounds of lead, 41 pounds of arsenic, and 24 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 2,849 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in the District of Columbia is 67,612 MWh, or 0.002% of the total electricity production in the United States. DC ranks last in electricity production and carbon emissions as a result of its negligible electricity production but consumes more energy per capita than a third of the 50 states. Over 70% of the electricity sold in DC goes to commercial customers, reflecting the high government-level activity in the District. In addition to targeting 5% solar energy production by 2032, DC has an aggressive renewable portfolio standard which requires that half of its electricity come from renewable energy by 2032.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20,718,376 | 2,859,030 | 74,600 | 102,245 | 126,414,006 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Florida is 229,963,756 MWh, or 5.64% of the total electricity production in the United States. Florida is one of the largest producers of electricity in the U.S., second only to Texas, and is third in the nation for electricity consumption. Due to the heat and modern day use of air conditioning, the residential sector consumes more than half of Florida's electricity. In spite of an abundance of sunshine, solar power generation is not prevalent and natural gas provides 60% of electricity needs for Florida, Solar power and other renewable energy sources only accounted for 2.2% of Florida’s net electricity generation in 2016. Almost half of renewable energy comes from biomass, making Florida one of the national leaders in biomass electricity production with one of the largest (102.5 MW) biomass plants in the U.S. at the Gainesville Renewable Energy Center which converts local wood waste to electricity.
Additional environmental impacts from Florida's electricity production include annual releases of up to 2706 pounds of lead, 2524 pounds of arsenic, and 1499 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 66,073 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional environmental impacts from Florida's electricity production include annual releases of up to 2706 pounds of lead, 2524 pounds of arsenic, and 1499 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 66,073 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13,292,244 | 1,988,687 | 40,115 | 75,259 | 69,554,394 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Georgia is 125,805,608 MWh, or 3.08% of the total electricity production in the United States. Georgia ranks 8th in the country in electricity generation and sales and extracts significant amounts of power from nuclear energy and has plans to expand its nuclear energy capacity with two new reactors to be opened at the Vogtle nuclear power plant in Burke County in 2019 and 2020. Using gases emitted from landfills, Georgia Power has recently begun combusting methane gas to produce renewable, biomass-based power.
Additional environmental impacts from Georgia's electricity production include annual releases of up to 2355 pounds of lead, 2196 pounds of arsenic, and 1304 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 76,654 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 108,294 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Additional environmental impacts from Georgia's electricity production include annual releases of up to 2355 pounds of lead, 2196 pounds of arsenic, and 1304 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 76,654 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 108,294 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,444,170 | 223,276 | 40,115 | 19,553 | 6,830,965 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Hawaii is 10,204,159 MWh, or 0.25% of the total electricity production in the United States. Hawaii imports most of its fuel, especially coal and petroleum, and for this reason, is the first state to set a legal deadline of 2045 for producing 100% of its electricity from renewable energy sources. To this end, Hawaii is generating more solar electricity than any other state and is one of only seven states that generates electricity from geothermal sources (i.e. volcanic heat) at a utility scale. Fortunately, with a mild climate, Hawaii uses little electricity ranking in the bottom five of electricity consumers per capita in the country.
Additional environmental impacts from Hawaii's electricity production include annual releases of up to 78 pounds of lead, 73 pounds of arsenic, and 43 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 2,741 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional environmental impacts from Hawaii's electricity production include annual releases of up to 78 pounds of lead, 73 pounds of arsenic, and 43 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 2,741 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 156,640 | 25,686 | 17,168 | 1,056 | 1,113,532 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Idaho is 15,102,587 MWh, or 0.37% of the total electricity production in the United States. Like its neighbor, Washington, Idaho produces much of its electricity from hydroelectric sources, although this capacity has been declining in past years because of drought. To fill the gap, Idaho also relies on natural gas, other renewable sources of electricity (wind, biomass, geothermal) and, to a much smaller extent, coal. The state’s volcanic formations are especially attractive for renewable electricity production because of immense geothermal potential. However, for the moment, Idaho typically consumes more electricity than it generates and buys electricity from coal-fired power plants in neighboring states.
Additional environmental impacts from Idaho's electricity production include annual releases of up to 4 pounds of lead, 3 pounds of arsenic, and 2 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 589 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 76,564 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Additional environmental impacts from Idaho's electricity production include annual releases of up to 4 pounds of lead, 3 pounds of arsenic, and 2 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 589 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 76,564 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22,342,952 | 3,245,544 | 49,458 | 148,984 | 100,737,475 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Illinois is 202,134,057 MWh, or 4.95% of the total electricity production in the United States. Illinois currently leads the nation in nuclear power electricity generation and nuclear power capacity, with over 10% of the nation’s total nuclear power generation, although nuclear power has recently had trouble competing with the subsidized cost of renewables. Coal follows closely behind nuclear energy in electricity production in the state. Despite its cold climate and status as the most densely populated state in the Midwest, Illinois’ per capita energy consumption is near the national median. Like many other states, Illinois generates more electricity than it consumes, and sells the surplus to interstate grids.
Additional environmental impacts from Illinois' electricity production include annual releases of up to 4538 pounds of lead, 4232 pounds of arsenic, and 2513 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 95,910 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional environmental impacts from Illinois' electricity production include annual releases of up to 4538 pounds of lead, 4232 pounds of arsenic, and 2513 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 95,910 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24,404,650 | 3,544,614 | 112,929 | 293,960 | 114,038,178 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Indiana is 115,023,340 MWh, or 2.82% of the total electricity production in the United States. Indiana produces more steel than any other state which contributes to its sizeable carbon footprint (8th in the country) and energy consumption (9th in the country). Much of this energy comes from coal; the state ranks eighth among the states in coal production, and third in coal consumption. Despite sizeable reserves and use of coal, Indiana still uses more electricity than it generates. Large swathes of open farmland, however, offer future potential for wind energy to replace some fossil fuel consumption in the state.
Additional environmental impacts from Indiana's electricity production include annual releases of up to 5058 pounds of lead, 4717 pounds of arsenic, and 2801 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 60,175 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional environmental impacts from Indiana's electricity production include annual releases of up to 5058 pounds of lead, 4717 pounds of arsenic, and 2801 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 60,175 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8,586,910 | 1,247,567 | 34,130 | 74,296 | 38,338,857 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Iowa is 56,846,168 MWh, or 1.39% of the total electricity production in the United States. Coal is the primary fuel used for electricity generation in the state with non-hydro renewables ranking second. Electricity generation from non-hydro renewables is dominated by wind. In fact, Iowa produces more electricity from wind than any other state except Texas. Wind farms are most common in the northern and western portions of the state where average wind speeds are the highest, but limitations in transmission line capacity may limit future wind farm development in the state. Public attitudes regarding “windmill landfills” may also limit future wind-based production of electricity.
Additional environmental impacts from Iowa's electricity production include annual releases of up to 1754 pounds of lead, 1636 pounds of arsenic, and 971 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 21,645 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional environmental impacts from Iowa's electricity production include annual releases of up to 1754 pounds of lead, 1636 pounds of arsenic, and 971 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 21,645 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7,652,670 | 1,111,421 | 27,726 | 31,571 | 35,282,360 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Kansas is 49,727,762 MWh, or 1.22% of the total electricity production in the United States. Kansas relies heavily on coal, but has recently enacted a renewable portfolio standard, which in part has driven the state to generate a respectable amount of energy from wind. At the present time, wind energy accounts for almost all of Kansas’s renewable electricity generation and is expected to increase as Kansas is ranked among the top five states in the nation in wind energy potential. The windy plains of Kansas are extensive and range from an elevation of 600 feet in the east to 3,000 feet in the west. At least four major rivers also flow from west to east in Kansas, offering significant hydroelectric power potential.
Additional environmental impacts from Kansas' electricity production include annual releases of up to 1495 pounds of lead, 1394 pounds of arsenic, and 828 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 27,188 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional environmental impacts from Kansas' electricity production include annual releases of up to 1495 pounds of lead, 1394 pounds of arsenic, and 828 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 27,188 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21,727,248 | 3,166,312 | 87,906 | 202,495 | 94,726,748 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Kentucky is 90,896,435 MWh, or 2.23% of the total electricity production in the United States. Kentucky is the third largest coal producing state in the nation. While Kentucky only generates 3% of its electricity from renewable energy like hydroelectric and biomass, the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers in the Ohio River Basin offer much more in terms of hydroelectric power. However, Kentucky does not have a renewable portfolio standard to incentivize this potential and renewable electricity use remains low. Kentucky also does not generate electricity using either wind or solar power.
Additional environmental impacts from Kentucky's electricity production include annual releases of up to 4347 pounds of lead, 4054 pounds of arsenic, and 2407 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 54,411 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 458,178 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Additional environmental impacts from Kentucky's electricity production include annual releases of up to 4347 pounds of lead, 4054 pounds of arsenic, and 2407 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 54,411 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 458,178 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7,060,837 | 1,025,434 | 44,407 | 67,219 | 50,707,234 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Louisiana is 103,522,969 MWh, or 2.54% of the total electricity production in the United States. Louisiana has 18 operating petroleum refineries, making it second only to Texas in refinery capacity which contributes to its status as the top energy consumer (per capita) in the nation. Substantial natural gas reserves in Louisiana make natural gas the primary source of electricity production. Electricity generated from renewable sources is low, but biomass is abundant in Louisiana, and electricity generated from wood/wood waste accounts for more than two-thirds of the renewable electricity generation, despite environmental concerns about deforestation. Louisiana law requires all utilities to offer net metering to customers that produce renewable energy (wind, hydropower, geothermal and biomass) which allows these customers to access electricity regardless of when their home generated it.
Additional environmental impacts from Louisiana's electricity production include annual releases of up to 993 pounds of lead, 926 pounds of arsenic, and 550 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 31,854 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional environmental impacts from Louisiana's electricity production include annual releases of up to 993 pounds of lead, 926 pounds of arsenic, and 550 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 31,854 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,228,291 | 315,950 | 3,184 | 2,342 | 2,359,734 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Maine is 13,245,795 MWh, or 0.32% of the total electricity production in the United States. Maine is both the easternmost state in the nation and the least densely populated east of the Mississippi river. A majority of people in Maine live in rural areas and the cold climate, along with industry sector demands result in high energy usage per capita. To meet this demand, one in eight households uses wood to heat their homes and Maine produces electricity from natural gas from Canada and renewable resources within the state. Among renewables, biomass (wood products) supplies the largest share of any state except Vermont. Wind and hydroelectricity make up the majority of remaining renewable electricity production with wind turbines in Maine generate a majority of wind energy for the New England state, although future increases in wind capacity have stalled.
Additional environmental impacts from Maine's electricity production include annual releases of up to 4 pounds of lead, 3 pounds of arsenic, and 2 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 2,073 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional environmental impacts from Maine's electricity production include annual releases of up to 4 pounds of lead, 3 pounds of arsenic, and 2 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 2,073 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
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Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5,412,138 | 780,765 | 16,624 | 25,340 | 22,118,156 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Maryland is 37,819,445 MWh, or 0.93% of the total electricity production in the United States. In 2014, Maryland generated most of its electricity from coal, but these numbers continue to decline every year. The state continues to produce around 40% of its electricity from a single nuclear power plant, the Calvert Cliffs nuclear station along Chesapeake Bay. Maryland has made a commitment to source 25% of all electricity from renewable resources by 2020 and is using a diverse set of wind, sun, biomass, and water resources to reach this goal.
Additional environmental impacts from Maryland's electricity production include annual releases of up to 915 pounds of lead, 853 pounds of arsenic, and 506 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 16,002 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 10,856 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Additional environmental impacts from Maryland's electricity production include annual releases of up to 915 pounds of lead, 853 pounds of arsenic, and 506 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 16,002 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 10,856 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,512,907 | 465,487 | 10,452 | 5,780 | 13,887,420 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Massachusetts is 31,014,179 MWh, or 0.76% of the total electricity production in the United States. Massachusetts is one of the most densely populated states but has no fossil fuel reserves. The state generates most of its power from natural gas, but wind and solar energy capacity are growing quickly due in no small part due to renewable energy goals and other supporting policies. The governor has set a goal of 2,000 MW in wind energy capacity by 2020, enough to power over 800,000 homes. This focus on renewable energy can reduce dependence on home heating oil; 27% of households in Massachusetts use fuel oil to meet their home heating needs, more than 5 times higher than the national average.
Additional environmental impacts from Massachusetts' electricity production include annual releases of up to 145 pounds of lead, 135 pounds of arsenic, and 80 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 6,414 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional environmental impacts from Massachusetts' electricity production include annual releases of up to 145 pounds of lead, 135 pounds of arsenic, and 80 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 6,414 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15,393,448 | 2,222,701 | 64,216 | 156,964 | 68,446,445 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Michigan is 106,747,582 MWh, or 2.62% of the total electricity production in the United States. In 2014, Michigan relied on coal to generate almost half of its electricity; however, coal burning is declining dramatically, as the state uses its immense natural gas resources. Michigan has one of the top 100 natural gas fields (the Antrim Gas field) and has more underground natural gas storage capacity than any other state. The state’s three nuclear power plants also make a major contribution to electricity generation. Renewable energy, while not yet a major player in Michigan’s electricity portfolio, is drawn from biomass, hydroelectric, and wind resources within the state. Biomass energy comes mainly from landfill gas, municipal solid waste, and wood and wood waste.
Additional environmental impacts from Michigan's electricity production include annual releases of up to 2750 pounds of lead, 2565 pounds of arsenic, and 1523 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 36,199 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional environmental impacts from Michigan's electricity production include annual releases of up to 2750 pounds of lead, 2565 pounds of arsenic, and 1523 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 36,199 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8,776,872 | 1,258,627 | 27,615 | 29,008 | 34,472,152 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Minnesota is 56,981,324 MWh, or 1.40% of the total electricity production in the United States. While Minnesota has produced most of its electricity from coal and nuclear sources in the past, this situation is changing rapidly. Minnesota ranks 16th in the country in solar installations and capacity (552 MW) and sixth in wind generation capacity.
Additional environmental impacts from Minnesota's electricity production include annual releases of up to 1453 pounds of lead, 1355 pounds of arsenic, and 805 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 23,243 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional environmental impacts from Minnesota's electricity production include annual releases of up to 1453 pounds of lead, 1355 pounds of arsenic, and 805 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 23,243 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,502,986 | 505,592 | 20,771 | 92,661 | 27,325,002 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Mississippi is 55,127,092 MWh, or 1.35% of the total electricity production in the United States. Mississippi generates electricity primarily from coal and natural gas but is home to the largest single unit nuclear power plant (Grand Gulf nuclear station) in the nation. Hurricane Katrina in 2005 caused damage to drilling rigs and pipelines that drove natural gas prices up 40%, prompting an interest in diversifying the states’s energy portfolio beyond natural gas. Part of this strategy included the Kemper Project, a power plant designed to convert lignite coal to gas which would have made it the cleanest coal plant in the world, capturing 65% of carbon dioxide emissions. However, the Kemper project was suspended because of ballooning costs and delays, and the Kemper County energy facility now runs solely on natural gas. Use of renewable resources make up less than 3% of the electricity production in the state, further amplifying its dependence on natural gas.
Additional environmental impacts from Mississippi's electricity production include annual releases of up to 558 pounds of lead, 521 pounds of arsenic, and 309 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 20,292 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional environmental impacts from Mississippi's electricity production include annual releases of up to 558 pounds of lead, 521 pounds of arsenic, and 309 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 20,292 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18,373,415 | 2,668,813 | 75,218 | 135,591 | 77,198,996 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Missouri is 87,833,977 MWh, or 2.15% of the total electricity production in the United States. Missouri was the first state in the country to produce coal commercially and it continues to depend heavily on coal for electricity. Over 82% of Missouri’s electricity was produced by burning coal in 2014 and this number has not declined dramatically as it has in other states since then. Missouri does produce some electricity from wind, solar, and conventional hydroelectric sources, but its renewable portfolio amounts to less than 4% of electricity produced. Interestingly, the three million tons of decomposing waste in the St. Joseph landfill which constantly produces methane is now being converted into enough electricity to power up to 1,000 homes annually by Kansas City Power & Light (KCP&L). KCP&L also maintains the largest solar installation in Major League Baseball at the stadium used by the Kansas City Royals.
Additional environmental impacts from Missouri's electricity production include annual releases of up to 3765 pounds of lead, 3511 pounds of arsenic, and 2085 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 28,157 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional environmental impacts from Missouri's electricity production include annual releases of up to 3765 pounds of lead, 3511 pounds of arsenic, and 2085 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 28,157 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4,114,465 | 612,223 | 20,194 | 15,064 | 19,704,426 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Montana is 30,257,616 MWh, or 0.74% of the total electricity production in the United States. Montana produces most of its electricity from coal and hydroelectric power and is a net supplier of energy to the country. Montana carries one fourth of the country’s demonstrated coal reserves, but demand for its coal has been going down, in part because of changing energy policies and in part because retrofitting existing coal burning plants around the country for cleaner emissions has decreased the demand for the cleaner coal that Montana has in these reserves. Montana has significant and diverse renewable energy resources capable of producing electricity that can compete with coal driven electricity. Despite climate extremes in Montana, residential customers use far less energy than industrial and other sectors in the state.
Additional environmental impacts from Montana's electricity production include annual releases of up to 810 pounds of lead, 755 pounds of arsenic, and 448 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 12,012 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 422,221 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Additional environmental impacts from Montana's electricity production include annual releases of up to 810 pounds of lead, 755 pounds of arsenic, and 448 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 12,012 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 422,221 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6,305,349 | 916,903 | 25,213 | 61,638 | 27,676,117 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Nebraska is 39,431,138 MWh, or 0.97% of the total electricity production in the United States. Nebraska produces most of its electricity from coal and nuclear, but one of its two nuclear plants (Fort Calhoun) shut down in 2016 after historic flooding in the Missouri River. It is quite possible that wind energy will fill the gap created by the loss of nuclear energy and declines in coal burning, because a vast majority of Nebraska is suitable for wind farms and wind energy use. Electricity intensive agriculture contributes to Nebraska having some of the highest energy usage per capita in the country. These demands are expected to increase as climate change impacts the vulnerable farmlands of Nebraska.
Additional environmental impacts from Nebraska's electricity production include annual releases of up to 1295 pounds of lead, 1208 pounds of arsenic, and 717 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 9,344 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 2,524 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Additional environmental impacts from Nebraska's electricity production include annual releases of up to 1295 pounds of lead, 1208 pounds of arsenic, and 717 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 9,344 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 2,524 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,123,037 | 291,683 | 14,438 | 10,624 | 17,335,693 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Nevada is 35,801,019 MWh, or 0.88% of the total electricity production in the United States. Although most of Nevada’s electricity is generated from natural gas, the state runs a severe electricity deficit, with 90% of the energy it consumes coming from outside the state. Nevada’s energy portfolio standard requires that 25% of electricity sales come from renewable energy resources by 2025; the state is well on its way to this goal with about 20% of electricity generated from solar, wind, biomass, and hydroelectric sources. A large percentage of this renewable energy comes from Hoover Dam which is both the third largest power plant in the state and was the largest dam in the world when it was constructed in 1935. Nevada is also home to the Mohave Power Station which shut down in 2005 but was once known as the dirtiest coal plant in the west.
Additional environmental impacts from Nevada's electricity production include annual releases of up to 340 pounds of lead, 317 pounds of arsenic, and 188 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 6,427 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 175,185 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Additional environmental impacts from Nevada's electricity production include annual releases of up to 340 pounds of lead, 317 pounds of arsenic, and 188 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 6,427 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 175,185 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,090,124 | 278,464 | 3,952 | 2,894 | 3,756,630 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in New Hampshire is 19,538,395 MWh, or 0.48% of the total electricity production in the United States. The largest nuclear plant in New England, Seabrook located in Seabrook New Hampshire along the Atlantic Coast, provides a majority of New Hampshire’s electricity, but natural gas also plays a major role. More than half the natural gas used by the state is used to generate electricity. Looking forward into the future, New Hampshire has a renewable energy standard which requires 24.8% of electricity to come from renewable resources by 2025; by 2015, New Hampshire had already reached 17% renewable energy, well on its way to the 24.8% target. Despite the prevalence of nuclear energy, natural gas, and renewables, during high electric demand, coal and oil generators are still used to support the state’s electricity needs. New Hampshire ranks very low among all the states in terms of carbon dioxide emissions; due to the many forests in New Hampshire, the state landscape is a net carbon sink.
Additional environmental impacts from New Hampshire's electricity production include annual releases of up to 68 pounds of lead, 64 pounds of arsenic, and 38 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 5,064 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional environmental impacts from New Hampshire's electricity production include annual releases of up to 68 pounds of lead, 64 pounds of arsenic, and 38 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 5,064 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,699,756 | 348,363 | 10,574 | 2,435 | 18,594,473 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in New Jersey is 66,819,245 MWh, or 1.64% of the total electricity production in the United States. Since the 2014 data shown above, nuclear gas and natural gas have switched places in New Jersey with over half of the state’s electricity now generated from natural gas. New Jersey’s Oyster Creek nuclear reactor is the oldest nuclear plant in the country and is scheduled to shut down in 2019 with significant local economic effects. New Jersey will make up the difference in part through the most aggressive renewable portfolio standard in the country, with a goal of generating 22.5% of the state’s electricity from renewable resources by 2021.
Additional environmental impacts from New Jersey's electricity production include annual releases of up to 130 pounds of lead, 122 pounds of arsenic, and 72 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 25,799 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional environmental impacts from New Jersey's electricity production include annual releases of up to 130 pounds of lead, 122 pounds of arsenic, and 72 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 25,799 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5,365,411 | 772,786 | 45,223 | 12,066 | 27,338,429 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in New Mexico is 32,305,545 MWh, or 0.79% of the total electricity production in the United States. In part because the state has over a quarter of the country’s coalbed methane proved reserves, New Mexico generates most of its electricity from coal, although it is ranked sixth in the use of solar energy for electricity. New Mexico is also a top ten natural gas producer among the states and has significant renewable energy potential including substantial wind energy potential from eastern New Mexico and solar energy from plentiful sunshine throughout the state. Albuquerque has particularly aggressive goals for using renewable energy, intending to support a quarter of the city’s electricity needs by 2025 from solar power.
Additional environmental impacts from New Mexico's electricity production include annual releases of up to 1058 pounds of lead, 987 pounds of arsenic, and 586 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 19,256 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 6,690 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Additional environmental impacts from New Mexico's electricity production include annual releases of up to 1058 pounds of lead, 987 pounds of arsenic, and 586 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 19,256 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 6,690 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5,008,633 | 655,981 | 27,896 | 21,145 | 35,005,293 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in New York is 133,648,655 MWh, or 3.28% of the total electricity production in the United States. While New York generates its electricity mostly from natural gas and nuclear energy, the state also produces the most hydroelectric power of any state east of the Rocky Mountains. The Robert Moses Niagara hydropower plant is the major contributor among over 150 hydroelectric facilities in the state and is the fourth largest hydroelectric plant in the country (2,525 MW); it was built to replace a nearby hydropower plant that failed in 1956. New York also has a fast growing solar energy industry, with one million MWh coming from solar panels, mostly installed on rooftops.
Additional environmental impacts from New York's electricity production include annual releases of up to 233 pounds of lead, 217 pounds of arsenic, and 129 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 32,114 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 130,010 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Additional environmental impacts from New York's electricity production include annual releases of up to 233 pounds of lead, 217 pounds of arsenic, and 129 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 32,114 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 130,010 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13,214,881 | 1,905,777 | 43,456 | 43,435 | 62,288,821 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in North Carolina is 126,271,599 MWh, or 3.10% of the total electricity production in the United States. In 2014, fossil fuels (coal and natural gas) dominated electricity generation in North Carolina, but since that time, North Carolina has increased its proportion of nuclear energy to one of the top five producers in the nation and has become one of the largest producers of electricity from solar energy. North Carolina also has the largest wind farm in the American Southeast. In addition to renewable solar and wind energy, North Carolina also exploits the “power of poo” by converting swine waste to energy.
Additional environmental impacts from North Carolina's electricity production include annual releases of up to 2523 pounds of lead, 2353 pounds of arsenic, and 1397 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 44,354 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 49,400 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Additional environmental impacts from North Carolina's electricity production include annual releases of up to 2523 pounds of lead, 2353 pounds of arsenic, and 1397 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 44,354 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 49,400 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7,396,552 | 1,075,713 | 46,632 | 50,585 | 33,223,034 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in North Dakota is 36,462,508 MWh, or 0.89% of the total electricity production in the United States. While North Dakota uses less energy than most other states, it consumes more energy per capita than most other states because of its industrial sector and because the winters in North Dakota are on the cold side. A large percentage of North Dakota’s net electricity production comes from coal consistent with its large coal reserves and the world’s largest deposits of lignite coal. The rest of North Dakota’s electricity comes primarily from wind energy which has seen significant expansion over the past decade. With average wind speeds ranging from 10 to 13 mph, North Dakota has immense wind energy potential.
Additional environmental impacts from North Dakota's electricity production include annual releases of up to 1424 pounds of lead, 1328 pounds of arsenic, and 788 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 16,793 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 146,313 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Additional environmental impacts from North Dakota's electricity production include annual releases of up to 1424 pounds of lead, 1328 pounds of arsenic, and 788 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 16,793 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 146,313 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22,886,922 | 3,318,339 | 91,403 | 313,247 | 108,282,178 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Ohio is 134,484,232 MWh, or 3.30% of the total electricity production in the United States. Electricity is almost entirely generated from coal, natural gas, and nuclear energy but Ohio has multiple wind and solar farms in the works to support a renewable energy portfolio standard that requires 12.5 percent of electricity to be derived from renewable resources by 2027. The Utica Shale has caused a dramatic increase in natural gas production in Ohio which supports the almost 2/3 of Ohio homes that use natural gas for heating, but fracking in the Utica shale region consumes substantial amounts of water.
Additional environmental impacts from Ohio's electricity production include annual releases of up to 4673 pounds of lead, 4358 pounds of arsenic, and 2588 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 71,919 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional environmental impacts from Ohio's electricity production include annual releases of up to 4673 pounds of lead, 4358 pounds of arsenic, and 2588 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 71,919 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8,405,594 | 1,205,609 | 39,471 | 76,341 | 47,705,251 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Oklahoma is 70,003,762 MWh, or 1.72% of the total electricity production in the United States. Oklahoma uses coal and gas to produce most of its electricity. As one of the country’s top natural gas producing states, natural gas usage for electricity as a percentage of overall production continues to increase as does the use of wind energy. Oklahoma also ranks third in terms of electricity production from wind and produces almost a fifth of its electricity from renewable energy sources. In fact, despite its rich history in the production and use of fossil fuels, Oklahoma used more wind than coal for electricity in 2016.
Additional environmental impacts from Oklahoma's electricity production include annual releases of up to 1555 pounds of lead, 1450 pounds of arsenic, and 861 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 33,958 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 181,201 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Additional environmental impacts from Oklahoma's electricity production include annual releases of up to 1555 pounds of lead, 1450 pounds of arsenic, and 861 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 33,958 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 181,201 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,710,318 | 230,628 | 9,564 | 7,795 | 9,371,445 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Oregon is 60,110,812 MWh, or 1.47% of the total electricity production in the United States. Oregon and Washington lead the nation in the production of electricity from water – hydropower. Oregon’s renewable portfolio standing requires that half (50%) of its electricity come from renewable resources by 2040. While hydroelectricity will continue to play a significant role, Oregon has one of the top geothermal potentials for producing electricity in the country and is increasingly using wind to produce electricity. Despite producing large amounts of electricity from renewable sources, residents of Oregon consume electricity produced in large part from burning fossil fuels in other states as a result of the sales of renewable electricity to California, made possible by both major transmission lines that connect the two states and by California’s increasing thirst for electricity produced from renewable sources.
Additional environmental impacts from Oregon's electricity production include annual releases of up to 166 pounds of lead, 154 pounds of arsenic, and 91 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 5,623 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 155,505 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Additional environmental impacts from Oregon's electricity production include annual releases of up to 166 pounds of lead, 154 pounds of arsenic, and 91 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 5,623 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 155,505 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20,508,739 | 3,258,758 | 131,572 | 275,665 | 110,028,992 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Pennsylvania is 221,043,692 MWh, or 5.42% of the total electricity production in the United States. Pennsylvania is one of the country’s leading producers of both natural gas and coal, which not surprisingly leads to most of its electricity being generated from these two fossil fuel resources. Despite being the home to the the worst accident in U.S. nuclear power plant history which occurred at Three Mile Island in Dauphin County, PA in 1979, the state continues to produce a great deal of electricity from nuclear energy. Of the meager 4% of electricity produced from renewable resources, wind energy in the state ranks first.
Additional environmental impacts from Pennsylvania's electricity production include annual releases of up to 4107 pounds of lead, 3830 pounds of arsenic, and 2274 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 117,349 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional environmental impacts from Pennsylvania's electricity production include annual releases of up to 4107 pounds of lead, 3830 pounds of arsenic, and 2274 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 117,349 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 105,997 | 11,010 | 839 | 77 | 2,788,087 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Rhode Island is 6,239,678 MWh, or 0.15% of the total electricity production in the United States. 95% of electricity generation comes from natural gas. Rhode Island has no coal-fired electricity generation capacity nor fossil fuel reserves, but hosts significant offshore wind energy potential. In fact, Rhode Island has the nation’s first offshore wind farms, which began operations in late 2016 and are populated by wind turbines that are twice the height of the Statue of Liberty.
Additional air quality impacts from Rhode Island's electricity production are very low and include virtually no lead, arsenic, or mercury emissions. Furthermore, an estimated 1,012 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional air quality impacts from Rhode Island's electricity production are very low and include virtually no lead, arsenic, or mercury emissions. Furthermore, an estimated 1,012 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8,026,422 | 1,174,252 | 16,861 | 28,207 | 35,840,6984 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in South Carolina is 97,158,465 MWh, or 2.38% of the total electricity production in the United States. South Carolina generates a large amount of its electricity with nuclear power and has four nuclear plants in the state. Much of the state’s remaining electricity generation comes from coal and natural gas which is supplied from multiple other states including Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Illinois and West Virginia. At only 5% of total electricity production, renewable energy primarily draws from hydroelectric power and biomass to produce electricity. Santee Cooper, the state’s leading power company, also uses methane gas generated from landfills at multiple facilities around the state.
Additional environmental impacts from South Carolina's electricity production include annual releases of up to 1503 pounds of lead, 1402 pounds of arsenic, and 832 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 41,383 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional environmental impacts from South Carolina's electricity production include annual releases of up to 1503 pounds of lead, 1402 pounds of arsenic, and 832 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 41,383 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 725,854 | 105,225 | 10,613 | 13,860 | 3,423,833 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in South Dakota is 10,995,239 MWh, or 0.27% of the total electricity production in the United States. South Dakota generates a large percentage of its electricity from hydropower from plants on the Missouri river, and also generates a large percentage of electricity from other renewable resources, particularly wind. South Dakota ranks second only to Iowa in the percentage of electricity produced from wind and also has some of the highest wind energy potential in the country. The state’s electricity rates are 26% below the national average, in large part because the two primary sources of electricity, hydropower and coal burning, are also the most inexpensive options.
Additional environmental impacts from South Dakota's electricity production include annual releases of up to 139 pounds of lead, 130 pounds of arsenic, and 77 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 2,031 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 631,415 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Additional environmental impacts from South Dakota's electricity production include annual releases of up to 139 pounds of lead, 130 pounds of arsenic, and 77 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 2,031 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 631,415 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8,999,702 | 1,316,877 | 19,108 | 54,968 | 42,652,133 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Tennessee is 79,506,886 MWh, or 1.95% of the total electricity production in the United States. Despite hosting the third largest pumped hydroelectric storage facility in the country as well as 24 hydroelectric dams, Tennessee still produces a large share of its electricity from coal and uses 20 times as much coal as it produces. In 2008, a retention pond at the Kingston coal burning plant (operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority or TVA) collapsed, releasing millions of cubic yards of fly ash into the surrounding community, resulting in the loss of homes and long term contamination of the area with lead, mercury, and other contaminants. Outside of fossil fuel plants, the TVA also uses the country’s newest nuclear reactor to produce electricity and is one of the top three hydroelectric power producers east of the Rocky Mountains.
Additional environmental impacts from Tennessee's electricity production include annual releases of up to 1865 pounds of lead, 1739 pounds of arsenic, and 1033 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 32,622 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 364,550 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Additional environmental impacts from Tennessee's electricity production include annual releases of up to 1865 pounds of lead, 1739 pounds of arsenic, and 1033 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 32,622 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 364,550 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37,686,790 | 5,336,892 | 147,530 | 348,426 | 260,736,900 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Texas is 438,052,226 MWh, or 10.74% of the total electricity production in the United States. Texas is the largest state in the continental United States and is second only to Alaska in land area. The state leads the country in multiple forms of energy production, including crude oil, natural gas, wind energy, and overall energy, accounting for more than one-eighth of the U.S. total. Representative of its massive contribution to energy production, Texas has its own electric grid, called ERCOT.
Additional environmental impacts from Texas' electricity production include annual releases of up to 7719 pounds of lead, 7199 pounds of arsenic, and 4275 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 149,684 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional environmental impacts from Texas' electricity production include annual releases of up to 7719 pounds of lead, 7199 pounds of arsenic, and 4275 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 149,684 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8,166,905 | 1,198,102 | 55,166 | 29,271 | 39,052,224 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Utah is 43,784,526 MWh, or 1.07% of the total electricity production in the United States. Utah produces almost 2% of domestic coal in the United States; the state also derives most of its electricity from burning coal, although the use of natural gas for electricity continues to increase as older coal fired plants and units are shut down. Some of this shift is driven by sales of electricity to California in order to comply with its emission laws. Utah has low electricity prices, consumes less electricity per capita than average, and voluntarily seeks to generate 20% of its electricity from renewable resources by 2025.
Additional environmental impacts from Utah's electricity production include annual releases of up to 1735 pounds of lead, 1618 pounds of arsenic, and 961 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 27,018 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 46,411 million gallons consumed by hydroelectric power plants. potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Additional environmental impacts from Utah's electricity production include annual releases of up to 1735 pounds of lead, 1618 pounds of arsenic, and 961 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 27,018 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 46,411 million gallons consumed by hydroelectric power plants. potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 446,684 | 58,696 | 426 | 60 | 80,677 | |
Based on 2014 data the total annual electricity production in Vermont is 7,024,733 MWh, or 0.17% of the total electricity production in the United States. While the state is rich in renewable resource potential, it has no fossil fuel reserves. Not surprisingly, electricity is produced in Vermont from either nuclear energy or from these renewable resources. A large number of homes (about one in six) in Vermont use biomass (wood or wood pellets) for heat in the cold winters, which is readily extracted from this heavily forested state. Fast running rivers also provide significant hydroelectric electricity generation. Despite the potential to use renewables for electricity, Vermont produces less than half of the electricity it consumes and relies on the New England grid and Canada to fill the gap.
Additional air quality impacts from Vermont's electricity production are very low and include virtually no arsenic, lead or mercury emissions. Furthermore, an estimated 1,317 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional air quality impacts from Vermont's electricity production are very low and include virtually no arsenic, lead or mercury emissions. Furthermore, an estimated 1,317 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8,251,390 | 1,170,183 | 28,359 | 33,404 | 34,171,819 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Virginia is 77,345,532 MWh, or 1.90% of the total electricity production in the United States. In recent years, nuclear energy has been surpassed by natural gas in the production of electricity, although in 2014, nuclear energy still dominated Virginia’s electricity portfolio. Like most other states, Virginia has put renewable portfolio standards in place – 15% of electricity production to come from renewables by 2025. Already in Virginia’s renewable portfolio is the 3,003 MW Bath County Pumped Storage Station, the largest pumped hydroelectric storage plant in the world which, unlike conventional hydroelectric power plants, uses the same water over and over again to generate electricity
Additional environmental impacts from Virginia's electricity production include annual releases of up to 1080 pounds of lead, 1007 pounds of arsenic, and 598 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 24,219 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional environmental impacts from Virginia's electricity production include annual releases of up to 1080 pounds of lead, 1007 pounds of arsenic, and 598 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 24,219 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,754,726 | 395,650 | 9,586 | 4,370 | 13,129,314 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Washington state is 116,272,503 MWh, or 2.85% of the total electricity production in the United States. Electricity production in Washington state is dominated by hydroelectric sources, accounting for 30% of the country’s total hydroelectric production. In fact, the immense Grand Coulee Dam is the largest hydroelectric facility in the United States at a capacity of over 6,800MW. Washington state is working to bring other renewables up to speed and is presently in the top ten among states in production of power from wind. Washington state also has the lowest electricity prices in the United States.
Additional environmental impacts from Washington's electricity production include annual releases of up to 349 pounds of lead, 325 pounds of arsenic, and 193 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 9,519 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 253,472 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Additional environmental impacts from Washington's electricity production include annual releases of up to 349 pounds of lead, 325 pounds of arsenic, and 193 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 9,519 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 253,472 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18,397,243 | 2,707,265 | 70,967 | 95,103 | 80,009,680 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in West Virginia is 80,357,568 MWh, or 1.97% of the total electricity production in the United State. While West Virginia ranks 21st in production of electricity in the nation, it ranks 2nd in coal production, behind Wyoming. West Virginia produces about 11% of all coal mined in the United States. Not surprisingly, coal is West Virginia’s top source of electricity production but almost half is shipped to other states. Mountaintop removal, a common practice to extract coal in the Appalachia region has enormous environmental impacts which add to the already dirty reputation of burning coal for electricity.
Additional environmental impacts from West Virginia's electricity production include annual releases of up to 3994 pounds of lead, 3725 pounds of arsenic, and 2212 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 54,050 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional environmental impacts from West Virginia's electricity production include annual releases of up to 3994 pounds of lead, 3725 pounds of arsenic, and 2212 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 54,050 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10,164,502 | 1,473,223 | 26,600 | 45,584 | 46,534,194 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Wisconsin is 61,008,458 MWh, or 1.5% of the total electricity production in the United State. Coal dominates electricity production in Wisconsin, despite the fact that Wisconsin produces no coal. The state does not produce any natural gas or oil either, resulting in heavy dependence on other states to provide fuel for the state’s electricity. The Wisconsin office of Energy Independence was created in 2007 to support ramping up on the use of renewable energy with a goal of 25% of power to be derived from renewable resources by 2025. At present, the nation’s oldest operating nuclear power station is also in Wisconsin -- Point Beach is Wisconsin’s only nuclear power plant and produces about 15% of the state’s electricity.
Additional environmental impacts from Wisconsin's electricity production include annual releases of up to 1946 pounds of lead, 1815 pounds of arsenic, and 1078 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 21,926 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Additional environmental impacts from Wisconsin's electricity production include annual releases of up to 1946 pounds of lead, 1815 pounds of arsenic, and 1078 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 21,926 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with only a small amount of additional water consumed by hydroelectric power plants.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.
|
Methane (lbs) | Nitrous Oxide (lbs) | Nitrogen Oxides (tons) | Sulfur Dioxide (tons) | Greenhouse Gases (tons) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11,164,764 | 1,623,554 | 42,689 | 37,992 | 50,012,815 | |
Based on 2014 data, the total annual electricity production in Wyoming is 49,696,184 MWh, or 1.22% of the total electricity production in the United States. While Wyoming ranks 32nd in production of electricity in the nation, it ranks 2nd in total energy production and 1st in coal production. Wyoming produces over 40% of all coal mined in the United States. Not surprisingly, coal is Wyoming’s top source of electricity production but renewable energy makes up almost all of the remaining electricity production, since the state has one of the highest potentials among the fifty states to use wind for power because of the many high altitude prairies in the state. For this reason and because of the abundance of coal, Wyoming has some of the lowest electricity rates in the country.
Additional environmental impacts from Wyoming's electricity production include annual releases of up to 2257 pounds of lead, 2105 pounds of arsenic, and 1250 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 25,280 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 118,979 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Additional environmental impacts from Wyoming's electricity production include annual releases of up to 2257 pounds of lead, 2105 pounds of arsenic, and 1250 pounds of mercury into the air as a result of burning coal. Furthermore, an estimated 25,280 million gallons of water are consumed in generating electricity from non-hydroelectric sources every year, with an additional 118,979 million gallons potentially consumed by hydroelectric power plants through evaporation from reservoirs.
Details regarding how these estimates were calculated can be found here.