Transportation CO2 now outpaces electricity

Source: Brad Plumer, Vox • Posted: Friday, June 17, 2016

Transportation has surpassed electricity production as the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, according to new data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Emissions from both sectors started dropping during the recession. Electricity has continued on a steady decline as power plants switch out coal for cheaper and cleaner natural gas, as well as renewable sources of energy.

Transportation emissions have ticked upward since 2013, and a May report from the Department of Energy show they’ve become greater than those from power plants.

The Obama administration has enacted fuel economy rules that require new cars to produce less CO2 per mile, but those technology improvements are being offset by the impacts of low oil prices. Americans are driving more than ever before, and they’re choosing gas-guzzling trucks and SUVs (Brad Plumer, Vox, June 13). — CVK

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