Public health benefits of nuclear energy

Operating nuclear power plants emit no carbon dioxide or other air pollutants, which can lead to health issues and environmental damage. Nuclear power is the largest source of zero-emission electricity in America.

The U.S. nuclear fleet avoids the annual emission of at least 400 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, which is the major greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.

Zero-emission nuclear and renewable electricity help avoid dangerous emissions (e.g., sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, heavy metals and particulate matter) from fossil fuel generation, which can lead to respiratory, heart and lung issues, cancers and acid rain.

– Doug Vine, Senior Energy Fellow, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions