A recent report was released by CERES, a national coalition of environmental and investor groups, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG). Titled “Benchmarking Air Emissions of the 100 Largest Electric Generation Owners in the U.S.,” the report reveals wide differences in air pollution emissions from the 100 largest electric generating companies.

The report concludes that fewer than 20 power generation companies in the United States account for 50 percent of carbon dioxide, mercury, oxides of nitrogen, and sulfur dioxide emitted into the air by the 100 largest public and private electric power companies in the U.S. Between four and six companies accounted for 25 percent of emissions of each pollutant.

The report could impact energy and environmental policy, as well as inform investors, policymakers and the power companies of where changes need to be focused in the future.

This report comes at a time when power plant air emissions are being heavily debated at both the national and state levels. EPA is discussing New Source Review provision changes, while the Bush Administration is proposing a new power plant emissions reduction program for mercury, NO_x and SO₂, with a voluntary reduction program for CO₂.

The CEOs of all 100 companies included in the report’s findings will receive the report from CERES, along with an invitation to participate in a series of “utility dialogues” to promote discussion of industry emissions reduction. The yearlong dialogue will focus on discussion of financial incentives to reduce CO₂ emissions and will include companies, investors and environmental organizations.