Greenhouse gas emissions are decreasing thanks to Natural Gas
According to the EPA Press Release on October 23rd, greenhouse gas emissions are decreasing due to an increased use of natural gas in power generating plants. Utilities have shifted from using coal to using clean burning natural gas, a major factor in causing a decrease in carbon emissions.
The EPA collects annual greenhouse gas information from over 8,000 facilities including power plants, gas and oil production and refining plants and landfills. The EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, which started in 2010, collects facility-level greenhouse gas data from major industrial sources across the US.
Greenhouse gas emissions from power plants have decreased 10 percent in two years. This decrease is largely due to electricity generation switching from coal to natural gas, as well as a slight decrease in electricity production.
Sources:
United Sates Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Releases Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data from Large Facilities
The Washington Free Beacon, Feds: Natural Gas Production Decreasing Greenhouse Emissions
U.S Energy Information Administration, U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions, 2012
In Response to “Carbon Taxes Make Ireland Even Greener”
Written by Michael Vrtis, President of Realgy Energy Services in response to the New York Times article “Carbon Taxes Make Ireland Even Greener”
Should the potential to emit greenhouse gases and deposit garbage in a landfill cost more than non-air emitting energy production and recycling?
Most states have passed laws to limit or prohibit smoking indoors primarily to protect others from the effects of second-hand smoke. Taxes on cigarettes have also increased as a way to fund prevention and reimburse states for the cost of care for those who develop diseases.
Should energy and waste be different?
Individual consumer choices of cars, appliances, and transportation have a direct impact on the emissions produced. For instance, some cars produce 80% less emissions than others for nearly the same footprint. Encouraging recycling by charging more to throw something away may possibly create some opportunities in the recycling industry. That is; there will be more people thinking about how to actually use what people throw away instead of burying it or burning it.
Whether it’s called carbon tax or not, the idea of accounting for the whole impact of energy and individual purchases (be it human health or environmental,) should be considered. It is already costing everyone something and now the question is: should that cost be shifted to those who produce more emissions and garbage?
Ireland and many states and cities are trying something else.
Check out the New York Times article:“Carbon Taxes Make Ireland Even Greener”
In response to “Natural Gas Increases are Diminishing Carbon Emissions”
Written by Michael Vrtis President of Realgy Energy Services in response to the EnergyBiz article “Natural Gas Increases are Diminishing Carbon Emissions”
The use of natural gas is decreasing carbon emission which in turn is decreasing the contribution of the US to global warming.
U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions in early 2012 lowest since 1992 – courtesy of EIA
Since 2007 it’s over a 10% decrease. The abundance of natural gas is decreasing the price the US pays and is reducing the impact of our emissions. This trend will continue.
Although all fuels contribute, natural gas being the cleanest fossil fuel contributes the least.
Check out the EnergyBiz article: “Natural Gas Increases are Diminishing Carbon Emissions”