Nine power plants cause much of America’s pollution problem, according to Middle America. Fortunately, change is on the horizon.

what’s going on

Just nine power plants released more dirty gases in 2022 than 33 entire states did the previous year, according to the data. new research led by the Frontier Group, the Environment America Research and Policy Center and the US PIRG Education Fund.

These facilities, along with 41 other major polluters, pumped out more than 520 million tons of pollution. That’s more than any state except Texas product.

Are you worried about air pollution in and around your home?

Yes — always

Yes — often

Yes — sometimes

No — never

Click on your choice to see the results and express your opinion

The biggest polluters are coal and gas-fired power stations, with a few industrial sites mixed in. Take the ExxonMobil complex in Baytown, Texas. It alone created as much pollution as three million cars in 2022.

Why are these findings worrying?

When a handful of facilities create such large amounts of pollution, it affects everyone’s health and raises the temperature of our planet. Think of it like having a few people smoking in your house. Even if there are only a few sources, the smoke fills the entire space and everyone has to breathe it.

The good news? We already have better options. Wind, solarand other clean energy sources power our homes and businesses without filling our air with harmful pollution. In fact, renewable energy has overtaken coal in electricity production as early as 2022.

What is done with the big polluters?

The future already looks brighter. Seven of these top polluters are already scheduled to shut down between now and 2038. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency just released new rules requiring coal plants to cut their pollution by 90% by 2039.

“It’s 2024. We no longer have to choose between keeping the lights on and protecting the environment,” said Lisa Frank of Environment America’s Center for Research and Policy. “We have technology to fuel our lives without compromising our health and a stable climate. Despite this, a small number of major polluters still treat the air we all breathe as their sewer. It’s time for these power plants to clean up their act.”

The way forward is clear. By focusing on cleaningor in retirement a small number of super-polluters, we can build a healthier future.

Join us free newsletter for good news and useful tipsand don’t miss out this great list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.