There are three major reasons electric power generators should consider when attempting to become more environmentally friendly:

• Regulatory Incentives
• Reduction in hazardous waste lead to conditionally exempt generator status under RCRA;
• Reductions in air emissions lead to acid rain credits and streamline permitting. 
• Reductions in Waste water discharges and polluting loading leads to reduced monitoring and reporting
• Use of Environmental Management Systems may lead to regulatory flexibility;
• Less disposal costs (in some cases).

• Competitive Advantage
• Deregulation requires utilities to cut costs and become competitive. Reduction in material usage and waste generation leads to cost savings;
• Cleaner facilities result in fewer lost time incidents and other worker-related injuries;
• Regulatory flexibility leads to reduced environmental compliance costs and overall operating expenses.

• Public Relations
• Customers are sensitive to the environment and ?greener? utilities may have an advantage;
• Environmental stewardship leads to improved community relations.
• Good public relations assist in permitting new or existing facilities.