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Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution (NAICS 2211)

Electric power generation, transmission and distribution are part of the utilities sector (NAICS 22). This sector includes all electric generating facilities powered by fossil fuels, including coal, petroleum, or gas as the power source.

Additional regulatory information about this sector may be available from the US Department of Energy.

Laws and Regulations

Air:

  • Cleaner Power Plants: controlling mercury and other hazardous air pollutants from power plants.
  • Interstate Air Pollution Transport
  • National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP): air toxics regulations:
    • Air Toxics Standards for Utilities
    • Benzene Waste Operations
    • Stationary Internal Combustion Engines, includes information about Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (RICE)
    • Stationary Combustion Turbines
  • Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program
  • Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS): Regulatory Actions

Waste:

  • Industrial Waste: Fossil Fuel Combustion Waste

Water:

  • Cooling Water Intake Structures: CWA §316(b): Final rules, court proceedings, and other documents related to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) rules for cooling water intake structures.
  • Steam Electric Power Generating Effluent Guidelines

Compliance

  • Combustion Portal: compliance assistance center.
  • Industrial Materials Recycling: Coal Combustion Products

Enforcement

  • National Compliance Initiative: Creating Cleaner Air for Communities by Reducing Excess Emissions of Harmful Pollutants

Additional federal and state regulations not listed here may apply. Find your state environmental agency.

Frequent Questions

  • Are there regulations concerning radiation emissions from power lines?
  • How will EPA reduce mercury emissions from power plants?

Ask a Question

Partnership Programs

Combined Heat and Power Partnership

Tools & Databases

eGRIDweb: environmental characteristics of electric power generated in the US

Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on March 13, 2023
United States Environmental Protection Agency

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