As the nation celebrates Earth Day on April 22, America's electric power companies encourage you to discover how we're working to preserve natural resources and reduce our impact on the environment. As America’s demand for electricity grows larger each year, so too do the efforts of the nation’s electric companies to generate electricity more efficiently and in a more environmentally sustainable matter.

• Over the past 30 years, electric utilities have lowered power plant sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions by 70 percent; ozone emissions in the eastern United States have been cut by 80 percent; and mercury emissions have dropped an estimated 50 percent. These cuts occurred even as the demand for electricity grew by 79 percent! Learn more about how electric companies are lowering their air emissions.
• Renewable energy sources for generating electricity are fuels that can be naturally replenished, such as wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, and other sources.  These non-hydro renewables generate about 4 percent of the nation's electricity.  Learn more about how electric companies are encouraging the use of renewable energy.
• Through compliance with federal, state, and local laws, as well as many voluntary programs and partnerships, America’s electric companies take pride in the progress they have made in protecting and preserving the environment.  Read about how electric companies are protecting our nation's land, air, climate, and water.
• A new generation of plug-in electric vehicles will help our country enter an era of clean transportation, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and create new, high-quality American jobs.  Find out how America’s electric companies are helping to set the stage for this exciting electric technology. 
• Using electricity more efficiently is good for the environment, saves money, and keeps the nation's electricity supply more reliable. Discover more about the benefits of using electricity wisely and how electric companies are helping their customers to do so every day of the year. 
• Test your energy-efficiency smarts with our efficiency quiz!
• Want to learn more Earth Day tips? Visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Earth Day page and listen to the daily "Green Tips" podcasts.