U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions to Increase 3.4 Percent in 2010

On August 10, the U.S. Energy Information Administration issued its monthly Short-Term Energy Outlook , which projected a rise in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in 2010 due to economic growth. CO2 emissions from fossil fuels declined by 7.0 percent in 2009, but are now expected to increase by 3.4 percent and 0.8 percent in 2010 and 2011, respectively, as energy consumption grows. Even with these increases, the EIA points out that these projected emissions remain below any level from 1999 through 2008. The expected rise in energy usage is attributed to higher electricity coal sector usage and natural gas consumption in 2010, while greater demand for petroleum in the transportation sector and industrial sector fossil fuel demand growth will contribute higher emissions in 2011.