EPA: Greenhouse gas emissions rise 2 percent in 2013

Greenhouse gas emissions in the United States increased by 2 percent between 2012 and 2013, according to new Environmental Protection Agency data, though emissions are still well below 2005 levels.

According to the EPA, the U.S. was responsible for 6,673 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2013, the most recent year studied in the agency’s annual greenhouse gas report. Electricity generation accounted for 31 percent of those emissions, followed by transportation at 27 percent, and 21 percent from industry and manufacturing. 

{mosads}The emissions total represents a 2 percent increase over 2012 numbers, something the EPA blamed on increased electricity consumption, increased reliance on coal, more miles traveled by on-road vehicles, increased industrial production and variances in weather.

Overall, though, greenhouse gas emissions in 2013 were 9 percent below 2005 levels.

“Current greenhouse gas and fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks and EPA’s proposed Clean Power Plan will eliminate billions of tons of greenhouse gas pollution, save lives through air quality benefits and save Americans money at the pump,” the agency said in a press release.

The report is the 20th version of a study the EPA files with the United Nations every April.