Disparities in Distribution of Particulate Matter Emissions from US Coal-Fired Power Plants by Race and Poverty Status After Accounting for Reductions in Operations Between 2015 and 2017.

Abstract

<i>Objectives.</i> To investigate potential changes in burdens from coal-fired electricity-generating units (EGU_cfs) that emit fine particulate matter (PM_2.5, defined as matter with a nominal mean aerodynamic diameter of ≤ 2.5 µm) among racial/ethnic and economic groups after reduction of operations in 92 US EGU_cfs.<i>Methods.</i> PM_2.5 burdens calculated for EGUs listed in the 2008, 2011, and 2014 National Emissions Inventory were recalculated for 2017 after omitting emissions from 92 EGU_cfs. The combined influence of race/ethnicity and poverty on burden estimates was characterized.<i>Results.</i> Omission of 92 EGU_cfs decreased PM_2.5 burdens attributable to EGUs by 8.6% for the entire population and to varying degrees for every population subgroup. Although the burden decreased across all subgroups, the decline was not equitable. After omission of the 92 EGU_cfs, burdens were highest for the below-poverty and non-White subgroups. Proportional disparities between White and non-White subgroups increased. In our combined analysis, the burden was highest for the non-White-high-poverty subgroup.<i>Conclusions.</i> Our results indicate that subgroups living in poverty experience the greatest absolute burdens from EGU_cfs. Changes as a result of EGU_cf closures suggest a shift in burden from White to non-White subgroups. Policymakers could use burden analyses to jointly promote equity and reduce emissions.