Good Neighbor Plan Results
First Ozone Season Under the Good Neighbor Plan (GNP)
EPA is releasing NOX emission reductions from the first ozone season under the Good Neighbor Plan. The Good Neighbor Plan was finalized in March to reduce pollution that significantly contributes to problems downwind states face in attaining and maintaining EPA’s 2015 health-based air quality standard for ground-level ozone. Initial requirements for power plants began this year, based on reductions achievable through immediately available measures. In order to achieve the remaining needed emissions reductions from power plants, the final rule sets emissions budgets that decline over time based on phased installation of state-of-the-art emissions controls at power plants starting in 2024. Requirements in the form of NOX emissions standards for nine large industries will begin in 2026.
Highlights
- In the first year of the GNP, power plants significantly reduced their NOX emissions, beginning to deliver the promised results of the rule even in the face of temporary judicial stays limiting participation to power plants in 10 states for the time being.
- Ozone season NOX emissions from power plants decreased 18% in 2023 in the 10 states currently included in the GNP trading program.
- Since 2015, ozone season NOX emissions have dropped by over 50% under the suite of cross-state transport programs.
- Performance of coal units with emission controls technologies improved slightly, with additional emissions reductions due to decreased use.
2023 marked the first year for the ozone season NOx emission reduction requirements for power plants in the Good Neighbor Plan region. The program was finalized for 22 states in March of 2023, went into effect on August 4, 2023, and is currently being implemented in 10 states.
Ozone season NOX emissions in states currently covered by the Good Neighbor Plan in 2023 decreased by 18%.
- Emissions in the 10-state region were 25% below the effective regional budget.
- Every state except Maryland reported power plant emissions below its pro-rated 2023 budget; Maryland’s emissions were well below its associated assurance level.
Emissions control performance of coal units with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) emission control technology improved only slightly in states implementing the GNP, but reduced utilization resulted in additional emission reduction gains:
- The average emission rate at coal units with SCR emissions controls dropped by under 1%, remaining at 0.066 lb/mmBtu in both the 2022 and 2023 ozone seasons.
- The average rate for this set of units dropped by 18% from 2021 to 2022, from 0.080 lb/mmBtu to 0.066 lb/mmBtu. As anticipated, these improvements were maintained in 2023.
- Operation of coal units with SCR controls dropped by 21% and operation of all coal-fired units in the region dropped by 24%, contributing to the overall 18% NOX emission drop.