Protecting the Environment

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.   Environmental Benefits and Issues     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.   Clean Electricity for Transportation Research is under way to reduce air emissions from the transportation sector by developing electric vehicles that can run farther and longer between charges. Clean electricity from nuclear plants can make these vehicles truly "clean."   Climate Change Initiatives Federal, state and local policymakers increasingly recognize nuclear energy's contribution to meeting growing electricity demand while reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.   Ecology Nuclear energy has one of the lowest impacts on the environment of any energy source because it does not emit air pollution, isolates its waste from the environment and requires a relatively small amount of land.   Life-Cycle Emissions Analysis Nuclear energy stations 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.   Sustainable Development Nuclear energy has a vital role to play in providing clean energy for sustainable economic development around the world.   Water Use and Environmental Stewardship The large-scale generation of electricity and the large-scale production of usable water are interdependent. Water use is one of several interrelated environmental considerations that need to be analyzed together when considering electricity generation. KEY ISSUES: Fukushima Response New Nuclear Energy Facilities Nuclear Waste Disposal Protecting the Environment Clean Electricity for Transportation Clean-Air Benefits of Nuclear Energy Climate Change Initiatives Ecology Graphics and Charts Helpful Links Life-Cycle Emissions Analysis Sustainable Development Water Use and Environmental Stewardship Reliable & Affordable Energy Safety & Security