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Going above and beyond
At DTE Energy, we conscientiously meet and strive to surpass regulatory requirements while supporting reasonable voluntary initiatives to better our environment. In the 1920s, before there were any environmental regulations, we began installing electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) in our power plants to reduce the release of fly ash (soot). More than 80 years and several billion investment dollars later, we continue to strengthen our environmental leadership. Detroit Edison was one of the first electric utilities to use cleaner, low-sulfur coal to significantly reduce sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission rates. And we lowered nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 50 percent five years before it was required by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). More recently, sophisticated pollution control devices called Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) units added to the Monroe Power Plant to remove tons of NOx emissions during the critical months of summer when ozone levels are of concern. While we've made improvements in air emissions, we've also dramatically increased electrical generation to meet our society's demand for energy.
DTE Energy companies use a variety of fuels and energy sources to produce power. Our Detroit Edison subsidiary produces about 80 percent of the electricity needed for Southeastern Michigan at seven coal-fired power plants, with the remainder produced by nuclear power, oil and natural gas. We currently rely on American coal because of its affordability and availability, and we are working towards developing and deploying tomorrow's innovative energy solutions.
As one of Michigan's largest natural gas producers, DTE Energy also strives to minimize the impact of the natural gas production process. Blending our facilities into their surroundings and restoring local vegetation are just two ways we minimize our impact. Our significant contributions to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund help purchase land for recreational use, improve public access to waterways, develop outdoor recreation in urban areas and stimulate tourism, proving that gas exploration and production can exist in harmony with the environment.
ISO 14001
We're committed to the International Standards Organization (ISO) 14001 certified environmental management system. All seven of our coal -fired power plants, as well as our Fermi 2 nuclear plant, our plants and our environmental compliance department, meet the stringent certification requirements. Only a limited number of other power plants in the nation have met ISO 14001 certification requirements. Follow this link for more information about DTE Energy's other certifications and awards.
Climate change
DTE Energy was one of the first utilities to sign onto the US Department of Energy's Climate Challenge Program and we continue to voluntarily reduce, avoid and sequester greenhouse gases that may cause global climate change. As part of this effort, we are exploring changes in the fuel mix of our power generation plants, energy efficiency improvements, emission offsets, landfill gas-to-energy projects and tree planting programs. These steps are intended to effectively lower greenhouse gas concentrations while keeping the cost of electricity reasonable.
Contact us
For more information, contact Environmental.
