The Environmental Issues
Of Electricity Production

The variety of fuels used to generate electricity all have some impact on the environment. Fossil fuel power plants release air pollution, require large amounts of cooling water, and can mar large tracts of land during the mining process. Nuclear power plants are generating and accumulating copious quantities of radioactive waste that currently lack any repository. Even renewable energy facilities can affect wildlife (fish and birds), involve hazardous wastes, or require cooling water.

For specifics on any issue:  

Air impacts

Climate change

Acid rain

Ozone (smog) and fine particulates

Air toxics (mercury)

Water impacts

Consumption of water resources

Pollution of water bodies

Land impacts

On-site land impacts

Off-site land impacts

Also see technologies for details on the various methods of producing electricity.