US greenhouse gases drop to 15-year low

[Psephos]

Source: Financial Times

Greenhouse gas emissions in the US dropped to their lowest level in 15 years in 2009 as the impact of the financial crisis led to decreases in fuel and electricity consumption, according to newly published figures.

In 2009, the US saw its emissions of the six main greenhouses gases drop 6 per cent year-on-year to 6,633m metric tonnes, the lowest total since 1995. Despite that annual fall, emissions rose by more than 7.3 per cent between 1990 and 2009.

The figures, released by the Environmental Protection Agency, are likely to be seized upon by Republicans as evidence that there is no need for further regulation of carbon emissions. The GOP has embarked on a campaign in recent months to strip the EPA of its ability to regulate hydrocarbons as well as other pollutants.

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Read more: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/dfc8a384-6a06-11e0-86e4-00144feab49a.html#axzz1JxlBjq5c

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Here's the primary source. http://www.eia.gov/environment/emissions/ghg_report/pdf/0573%282009%29.pdf

[EC]

1. Good

at least it went down instead of up.

[SnakeEyes]

2. Miniscule

this will affect nothing we need massive and drastic changes now.

[Overseas]

3. Aha! So this GOP poverty push may be a magnanimous gesture !

They're just crushing the poor and middle class so they can further reduce our carbon emissions !

[DCKit]

4. "There is nothing a long, deep depression can't remedy."

New Republican't talking point.