Newly-developed data envelopment analysis techniques permit simultaneous consideration of ‘good and bad’ outputs in evaluating efficiency. We use these techniques to determine joint ecological and technical efficiencies of the 437 largest fossil-fueled electricity-generating plants in the United States. Utilizing the EPA’s E-Grid and Clean Air Markets databases and drawing on ecological modernization theory we evaluate whether innovations in organizational practices and technological solutions help achieve joint technical and environmental performance efficiencies.
Keywords: Data envelopment analysis; Environment; Electrical utilities; Ecological modernization