Which organization collaborates with NERC to enhance environmental performance in electric power?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) collaborates with NERC to enhance environmental performance in the electric power sector because both organizations have a vested interest in ensuring that the energy industry operates in an environmentally responsible manner. The EPA is primarily tasked with enforcing regulations that protect human health and the environment, which includes overseeing policies related to emissions and pollution control from power generation facilities.

NERC, while focused on reliability and grid management, recognizes the importance of integrating environmental considerations into its practices to help utilities meet compliance requirements laid out by the EPA. This partnership helps improve overall environmental performance by guiding the industry in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting cleaner energy production.

Other organizations listed may have relationships with NERC but may not focus directly on enhancing environmental performance in the way the EPA does. For instance, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) primarily regulates interstate transmission of electricity, while the Department of Energy (DOE) focuses on energy policy and research. Similarly, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is involved in renewable energy research but does not have the same regulatory authority or focus as the EPA in terms of environmental protections in the electric power domain.