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Environmental Benefits
Clean-Air Benefits of Nuclear Energy
Nuclear power plants aid compliance with the Clean Air Act of 1970, which set standards to improve the nation's air quality. Using more nuclear energy gives states additional flexibility in complying with clean-air requirements.
Climate Change Initiatives
Federal, state and local policymakers increasingly recognize nuclear energy's contribution to meeting growing electricity demand while reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.
Life-Cycle Emissions Analysis
Nuclear power plants do not emit criteria pollutants or greenhouse gases when they generate electricity. The life-cycle emissions from nuclear energy are comparable to other non-emitting sources of electricity like wind, solar and hydropower.
Additional Resources
Nuclear Energy Plays Essential Role in Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Nuclear power plants generate more than 70 percent of all carbon-free electricity in America and are an essential mitigation tool for reducing greenhouse gases.
Nuclear Energy’s Importance in Reaching Clean Air Act Goals
Because nuclear power plants do not burn anything, they produce no greenhouse gases or emissions associated with acid rain or urban smog. As a result, nuclear plants make a significant contribution to Clean Air Act compliance.
Nuclear Energy and the Environment
Nuclear energy is the only large-scale, clean-air technology that can be expanded widely to produce large amounts of electricity.
Key Data
Highlights
Key Issue: Protecting the Environment
Nuclear energy is America's largest source of clean-air, carbon-free electricity, producing no greenhouse gases or air pollutants. The industry's commitment to the environment extends to protecting wildlife and their habitats.