These graphics highlight Criteria Air Pollutant emissions reported by Title V-permitted facilities from 2017 to 2022. These facilities represent the largest and most robust point source air pollutant emitters in the U.S. and offer valuable insight into sector-level emission trends over time.

Focus Areas:

• By Sector: How emissions have evolved in the top-emitting industries
• By Pollutant: Sector drivers behind the biggest increases or declines
• Policy in Action: The regulatory mechanisms pushing change—from Acid Rain Programs to MACT and CSAPR

Carbon Monoxide (CO)

• Trend: Down 17% from 2017 to 2022.
• Manufacturing: Decreased from 1.2 million metric tons in 2017 to 1.1 million in 2022 (12% reduction). Still the top emitter, largely due to combustion in boilers and furnaces.
• Utilities: Dropped from 597,000+ to 465,000+ metric tons (22%). Reflects coal plant retirements and cleaner fuel transitions.
• Mining, Quarrying, and Oil & Gas Extraction: Fell from 201,000+ to 107,000+ metric tons (47%). Strong decline due to improved combustion efficiency and decreased extraction activities.

Lead (Pb)

• Overall Decline: Down 22% from 2018 to 2022.
• Manufacturing: Dominates with ~62% share. The decline suggests MACT standard effectiveness.
• Public Administration: Often ranks #2–#3. Includes space labs, DOD, and national security facilities. Demonstrates that non-industrial entities can be major contributors.^[1][2]

Ammonia (NH₃)

• Trend: Upward trajectory from 2017 to 2022, 3% increase.
• Manufacturing: Major contributor from chemical production, plastics, nitrogen-based fertilizers.
• Utilities: Emissions increased due to expanded use of ammonia in SCR/SNCR systems to control NOx. As more SCR units are installed, ammonia usage increases.^[3]

Particulate Matter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5)

• Trend: Steady decline across both pollutants.
• Manufacturing & Utilities: Top emitters for both PM₁₀ and PM_2.5.
• Utilities: Declines due to coal phase-out. State SIPs and federal mandates enforced large-scale reductions.^[4]

Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)

• Trend: Dropped from 2.1 million to 1.4 million metric tons (32%).
• Utilities: This sector remained the #1 emitter of SO₂ throughout the period but saw a 35% decline—driven largely by fuel switching from coal to natural gas and the ongoing enforcement of programs like the Acid Rain Program ^[5] and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) ^[6].

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)

• Trend: Decreased by 9%.
• Mining, Quarrying, and Oil & Gas Extraction: Sharp VOC spike in 2020 likely tied to post-2019 energy rebound and expansion in unconventional oil and gas operations. Increased flaring, venting, and compressor activity are all probable contributors.
  • 2021–2022: 60% drop, reflecting industry-wide shifts to cleaner fuels, the expansion of leak detection and repair (LDAR) programs, and broader emission control measures.^[7]

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