Nuclear power is a clean, non-polluting. Do not release smoke, toxic gases and waste into the environment. Nuclear power plants do not emit carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas into the atmosphere ,because nuclear power plants play a major role in overall compliance with the Clean Air Act of 1970, which set standards to improve the nation's air quality. Because they generate heat from fission rather than burning fuel, they produce no greenhouse gases or emissions associated with acid rain or urban smog. Using more nuclear energy gives states additional flexibility in complying with clean-air requirements.