Here is an excellent example of how much pollution and toxic chemicals are released into our atmosphere and waterways each year. According to data collected by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), over 1,198,401,000 metric tons of Carbon Dioxide are sent into our atmosphere every year. Along with 1,807,000 metric tons of Sulfur Dioxide and 1,630,000 metric tons of Nitrogen Oxide and Nitrogen Dioxide. When it comes to water pollution, 72% of toxic water pollution in the United States comes from coal-fired power plants, making them the number one source of toxic water pollution in the United States.