Clean Air News

New Study Documents A Gaping Hole In Air Pollution Regulations

As the new home of NJPIRG's environmental work, Environment New Jersey can be contacted regarding this news release.

TRENTON—Small oil-fired generators have air pollution rates which are much higher than conventional power and are most often used at times of peak electricity demand when we can least afford the excess pollution, according to a report released today by the New Jersey Public Interest Research Group. The study, "Micropower at the Crossroads: Public Health and the Future of Distributed Generation," estimates that these back-up and peaking generators emit nearly 4,000 tons of smog-forming pollutants each year, and their impact on public health may only worsen.

"Diesel generators are the forgotten smokestacks of electricity production. Hidden in our communities, near homes, schools and workplaces, diesel generators pollute more yet are regulated less than other sources of power," said Emily Rusch, Energy Advocate for NJPIRG.

Diesel generators and other forms of small, localized power have increased in popularity over the last few years as a reliable, convenient source of power to lessen dependence on the electricity grid. In fact, some utilities pay companies many times the average price of electricity to use diesel generators during peak demand periods. Approximately 8,000 diesel generators are currently used in the state of New Jersey, emitting 3,700 tons of nitrogen oxides, over 200 tons of sulfur dioxide, and numerous other air toxics. The California Air Resources Board has estimated that a person’s lifetime cancer risk increases by 50 percent if he or she lives near a single one-megawatt diesel generator that runs for as little as 250 hours annually.

During the hot summer months when most emergency diesel generators are used, New Jersey’s air pollution levels reach unhealthy levels one out of every three days, resulting in high levels of asthma, bronchitis and even premature death for New Jersey residents. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has currently been working on creating new air pollution standards for all small generators.

"We commend the Department of Environmental Protection for recognizing this gaping hole in New Jersey’s air pollution regulations. We urge the Department to move quickly to set comprehensive standards that address the rising use of small generators and the range of pollutants that they emit," said Nathanael Greene, senior policy analyst for the Natural Resources Defense Council. "DEP’s standards will determine if the growing market for these technologies cleans the air or pollutes it."

The report not only documents the popularity of dirty little generators, but the rising use of other, cleaner forms of micropower as well, like solar photovoltaics and small wind turbines. The report also describes some of the emerging new technologies, such as alternative fuel reciprocating engines, turbines, microturbines and combined heat and power.

"Energy concerns, market incentives, and technology are aligning to make micropower an ever increasing part of our electricity supply. If we keep using dirty little diesels and inefficient engines, this trend is going to add a thousand sources of soot pollution in addition to our big smokestacks. This study offers a new vision for energy production, where clean, locally generated technologies will lead the way to a more sustainable energy future," said Rusch.

The advantages of these cleaner micropower sources are overwhelming:

Simplicity: Because most of these technologies, notably solar power, have few or no moving parts, operational and maintenance costs are minimal.

Versatility: Micropower sources can be connected to a grid, or used on their own in more remote, rural parts of the state.

Reliability: The use of micropower mitigates the threat of power shortages and brownouts by producing energy right where it’s used.

Efficiency: The close proximity of distributed generation to their end users decreases the amount of energy wasted through long transmission lines.

Sustainability: Clean micropower sources have little or no impact on the environment, and they are free from the price spikes associated with fossil fuels like natural gas.

"Energy production truly has approached a crossroads. This study underlines the importance of clean energy development, and readiness of technology, to propel New Jersey to a future without rolling blackouts and without large fossil fuel power plants," said Rusch.

Along with forming comprehensive emissions standards for small generators, the report also makes the other following policy recommendations:

• Require that all micropower units operated in New Jersey receive certification or permits as a condition for being connected to the electric grid.
• Require that transmission grid operators draw on clean, efficient micropower before similarly priced dirty generation facilities.
• Require formal consideration of clean micropower as a potential least cost alternative to transmission and distribution upgrades.
• Expand funding for clean micropower technology development.