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Report Released on Washington’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Sources and Trends
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1/10/2007
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Washington State Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: January 10, 2007
Contact: Tony Usibelli, Assistant Director, Energy Policy, 360.725.3110
Kris Rietmann, Communications Director, 360.725.4019
Report Released on Washington’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Sources and Trends
Olympia-- An inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Washington State indicates that most of the growth in overall CO2 emissions comes from burning fossil fuels for transportation and generating power. This report, released by the Washington State Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development’s Energy Policy division, details the sources and long-term trends of greenhouse gas emissions. As emissions increase around the world, many states and nations are developing and refining inventories to assist in long-term policy efforts to reduce GHG emissions.
Key findings of the report include:
Almost half of all energy-related GHG emissions are from the transportation sector. Total transportation carbon dioxide emissions are more than three times higher today than in 1960.
Energy related emissions are the dominant source of Washington State greenhouse gas emissions increasing from 79 percent to 85 percent of total GHG emissions from 1990 to 2004.
In 2004, carbon dioxide, the dominant greenhouse gas, represents 83 percent of state GHG emissions. Altogether, total CO2 emissions increased 32 percent between 1977 and 2004.
Greenhouse gas emissions associated with electric power increased from almost zero in 1960 to 16 percent of emissions in 2004. During this time period, most power generation additions were fueled by coal or natural gas.
Since 1990, GHG emissions have increased about 20 percent in residential and commercial sectors. If emissions associated with electricity use are included in this sector, emissions would more than double.
Non-energy industrial sector GHG emissions declined from 14 percent to 9 percent, primarily due to reduced emissions from aluminum production. Non-energy agricultural sector greenhouse emissions have remained relatively constant.
Energy related emissions from industrial fossil fuels use have remained relatively constant in the last 40 years, reflecting efficiency improvements and switching to cleaner fuels.
The report can be found on the CTED Energy Policy website at http://www.commerce.wa.gov/site/637/default.aspx
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