Are there environmental issues associated with using coal?
A. The same rich chemical composition making coal a valuable energy resource also creates byproducts. These include nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide. Duke Energy recognizes that reducing power plant emissions is vital to improving air quality in the United States, and we are making improvements. Since 1995, Duke Energy has reduced nitrogen oxide emissions by 40 percent in the Carolinas. As a result of North Carolina legislation, we will reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by 70 percent by 2013 and reduce nitrogen oxide emissions an additional 33 percent by 2007. These reductions go beyond federal standards. You can learn more about Duke Energys commitment to the air quality and the environment in our Environment section.
