Greenhouse Gas Emissions Rose Last Year
The Energy Department’s Energy Information Administration says carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. increased last year, compared with emission levels in 2006.
EIA says 5.98 million tons of carbon dioxide went into the air in 2007, a 1.6 percent increase from the year before. EIA blames greater demand for heating and cooling, as well as “higher carbon intensity of electricity supply.”
The electric power sector is the largest single source of carbon dioxide emission, accounting for 40 percent of the total, according to EIA. Emissions from the electric power sector rose 3 percent last year as power generation increased 2.5 percent.
EIA says the emissions increase is due to a decline in non-fossil-fueled generation, as hydro generation fell off.
Total energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. are up 19.4 percent since 1990. They make up more than 80 percent of greenhouse gas emissions.
