By SPEER Intern, Vaishnavi Kharade
The Intersection of Energy Policy and Public Health
Air quality and public health are deeply intertwined with energy policy decisions. As cities and states work to meet growing energy demands, the choice of energy sources and regulatory frameworks significantly impact air pollution levels and, in turn, public health outcomes. Poor air quality is linked to increased rates of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and other long-term health concerns, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with preexisting conditions.
In Texas and across the U.S., fossil fuel-based power generation continues to be a dominant energy source. While advancements in natural gas generation and infrastructure have improved energy reliability, the state still faces significant challenges in reducing emissions of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ground-level ozone, and other pollutants that degrade air quality.
Without strategic energy policies that prioritize cleaner alternatives, air pollution will continue to impose economic and social costs, including rising healthcare expenses.
Key Air Quality Emitters and Challenges
1. Emissions from Power Generation and the Industrial Sector
Texas continues to rank among the highest in the nation for power sector emissions due to its heavy reliance on natural gas and coal-fired power plants, as well as significant contributions from the vital industrial sector and coastal ports that support economic activities. Notably, the industrial sector accounts for approximately 53% of Texas’s greenhouse gas emissions. While these facilities provide essential electricity generation, they also contribute to nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and PM2.5 pollution, which can exacerbate many health-related problems such as asthma, lung disease, and heart conditions.
2. Transportation and Urban Air Pollution
Beyond power generation, transportation remains one of the largest contributors to urban air pollution. High vehicle emissions, particularly in densely populated areas, increase ozone formation, leading to smog and reduced air quality. Statewide, increasing electric vehicle (EV) adoption and implementing low-emission zones (LEZ) could help reduce transportation-related pollution. As of February 2025, Texas has registered 354,554 EVs, with the Dallas-Fort Worth region accounting for 36.58% of total registrations. Additionally, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) make up 82.5% of EVs in the state, demonstrating a shift towards cleaner transportation alternatives. However, continued policy incentives are needed to accelerate this transition and expand EV accessibility across all regions.
3. Disproportionate Health Impacts on Vulnerable Communities
Low-income and historically marginalized communities often bear the brunt of poor air quality. Many of these neighborhoods are located near industrial zones, highways, airports, or power plants, exposing residents to higher concentrations of pollutants. Without targeted interventions, these disparities will persist, leading to long-term health and economic inequities.
Strategies for Cleaner Air Through Energy Policy
To address air quality challenges, energy policy must integrate public health considerations into decision-making processes. Some key strategies include:
1. Strengthening Clean Energy Standards
Strengthening Clean Energy Standards in Texas is crucial for leveraging the state’s abundant renewable resources and reducing harmful emissions. By adopting more rigorous Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) and setting ambitious emissions reduction targets, Texas can further capitalize on its impressive wind and solar capacities. As the state already leads the nation in wind energy—contributing nearly 30% of U.S. wind capacity—these enhanced standards would encourage additional investments in clean power infrastructure, including battery storage systems, and foster greater energy resilience. This approach aligns policy with local potential, ensuring that Texas not only sustains its leadership in renewable energy but also moves toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.
2. Expanding Energy Efficiency Programs
Energy efficiency is a cost-effective way to reduce emissions while lowering household and business energy costs. Policies that encourage weatherization, smart grid technologies, and high-efficiency appliances can decrease energy consumption and reduce overall energy demand while improving home and building comfort and air quality. Expanding investor-owned utility (IOU) programs can further accelerate efficiency efforts by offering rebates, demand response programs, and grid modernization initiatives. Additionally, updating state and local building energy codes to require higher efficiency standards can drive long-term reductions in energy consumption and emissions, ensuring that new developments contribute to sustainability goals.
3. Incentivizing Low-Emission Transportation
Expanding state and local incentives for EVs and public transit improvements can significantly reduce transportation-related emissions. Policies such as EV tax credits, charging infrastructure investments, and low-emission public transit initiatives can help shift the transportation sector toward cleaner alternatives.
4. Strengthening Air Quality Monitoring and Public Health Data Integration
A data-driven approach is essential for crafting effective energy policies. Enhancing real-time air quality monitoring networks and integrating public health data into policymaking can help decision-makers identify pollution hotspots and tailor interventions accordingly.
Moving Toward a Healthier Future
The intersection of energy policy and public health presents an opportunity for leaders to take bold action in reducing emissions while improving community well-being. As Texas and other states navigate energy transitions, implementing forward-thinking policies that prioritize cleaner air, public health, and long-term sustainability is crucial. Air pollution is a significant health hazard, contributing to diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respiratory infections, asthma, heart disease, and lung cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 7 million premature deaths worldwide in 2023 can be attributed to air pollution. A 2016 PubMed Central study found that roughly 26.7 million (98.9%) of the 27 million people living in Texas at that time resided in areas where PM2.5 concentrations were above the WHO recommendation of 5 micrograms per cub meter (μg /m3), and that 2.6 million people, almost 10% of the state’s population at the time of the study, lived in areas where the average PM2.5 concentration exceeded 10 μg/m3. The report estimates that there were 8,405 premature deaths due to PM2.5 pollution in Texas in 2016, comprising 4.3% of all deaths.
Beyond Texas, across the nation, the burden is equally stark—with air pollution contributing to an estimated 107,000 premature deaths each year and healthcare costs reaching roughly $820 billion annually (or about $2,500 per person). These findings highlight the urgent need for robust policies and interventions to reduce air pollution and safeguard public health.
By fostering collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders, and public health experts, we can develop energy solutions that not only power communities but also protect the health of residents. Implementing clean air policies has demonstrated substantial economic benefits. For instance, four major rules of the Clean Air Act are projected to yield over $82 billion in Medicare, Medicaid, and other healthcare savings through 2021.
Investing in cleaner energy and stricter emission controls not only enhances public health but also potentially leads to significant economic savings, underscoring the importance of integrating health considerations into energy policy decisions.
Call to Action
Communities and organizations play a vital role in advocating for cleaner energy policies. By staying informed and engaged, individuals can help shape policies that improve air quality and public health.
Together, we can work toward a future where energy policies support both economic growth and community well-being.
Photo credit: Climate Central A recent study exposed that Texas leads the country with the most…
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