Increased natural gas use decreasing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released their latest Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) data report, updated to Sept. 1, 2013. The report shows that U.S. greenhouse emissions have continued to decline, in keeping with the trend that began in 2009.
Climate Central reported that the EPA’s announcement shows that U.S. greenhouse gas emissions declined 3.4 percent in 2012 from 2011, and that emissions are down 10 percent from what they were in 2005 – the lowest levels since 1994. They add that the EPA said in a statement that most of the decline came from reductions in energy consumption, increased fuel efficiency of cars and other types of transportation, and a shift to natural gas from coal in fueling power plants.
According to the EPA, for reporting year (RY) 2012, over 8,000 facilities and suppliers reported to the greenhouse gas reporting program. Among these reporters, 7,809 facilities in nine industry sectors reported direct emissions to the atmosphere, with emissions totaling 3.13 billion metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent, or about half of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.