CO₂ emissions from the most polluting power plants in the U.S. 2022-2023

The most carbon polluting power plant in the United States is the coal-fired James H. Miller Jr. Electric Generating Plant in Alabama. The Miller Plant released roughly 18 million short tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in 2023. In total, the 10 most polluting U.S. power plants emitted 138 million short tons of CO₂ in 2023.

Where are U.S. power sector emissions highest?

Two of the most carbon polluting power plants in the U.S. were located in Texas in 2023. The Lone Star State is the largest contributor to U.S. power sector emissions by far, having released some 214 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (MtCO₂) in 2022.

Power sector emissions in the U.S.

The electric power sector is the second-largest source of emissions in the U.S., surpassed only by the transportation sector. In previous years the electric power sector was the main source of emissions, but thanks to advances in technology and renewable energy uptake, emissions from this sector have fallen considerably in recent years. By comparison, transportation emissions have been on the rise.