December 1, 2006—United States emissions of greenhouse gases increased by 0.6 percent in 2005, according to a new report from DOE’s Energy Information Administration (EIA).
US greenhouse gas emissions have increased at an average annual rate of 1.0 percent since 1990. The EIA attributes the slower growth to higher energy prices that suppressed energy demand, low or negative growth in several energy-intensive industries, and weather-related disruptions in the energy infrastructure along the Gulf Coast that shut down both petroleum and natural gas operations.
Emissions of carbon dioxide from energy consumption and industrial processes grew by only 0.3 percent in 2005, while other more potent greenhouse gases grew at faster rates. Despite the lagging growth in energy use, the US Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased by 3.2 percent, leading to a 2.5 percent decrease in the greenhouse gas intensity, which is the amount of greenhouse gases emitted per unit of GDP.
To see the full report, visit the EIA Web site.
