2010 greenhouse gas emissions data from large facilities now available - 14 January, 2012.
First release of data through the national GHG reporting program
WASHINGTON -- For the first time, comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) data reported directly
from large facilities and suppliers across the country are now easily
accessible to the public through EPA’s GHG Reporting Program. The 2010 GHG data
released today includes public information from facilities in nine industry
groups that directly emit large quantities of GHGs, as well as suppliers of
certain fossil fuels.
“Thanks to strong collaboration and feedback from industry, states and
other organizations, today we have a transparent, powerful data resource
available to the public,” said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA’s
Office of Air and Radiation. “The GHG Reporting Program data provides a
critical tool for businesses and other innovators to find cost- and fuel-saving
efficiencies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and foster
technologies to protect public health and the environment.”
EPA’s online data publication tool allows users to view and sort GHG data
for calendar year 2010 from over 6,700 facilities in a variety of
ways—including by facility, location, industrial sector, and the type of GHG
emitted. This information can be used by communities to identify nearby sources
of GHGs, help businesses compare and track emissions, and provide information
to state and local governments.
GHG data for direct emitters show that in 2010:
- Power plants were the largest stationary
sources of direct emissions with 2,324 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (mmtCO2e),
followed by petroleum refineries with emissions of 183 mmtCO2e.
- CO2 accounted for the largest share of
direct GHG emissions with 95 percent, followed by methane with 4 percent, and nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases
accounting for the remaining 1 percent.
- 100 facilities each reported emissions
over 7 mmtCO2e, including 96 power plants, two iron and steel mills and two
refineries.
Mandated by the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act, EPA launched
the GHG Reporting Program in October 2009, requiring the reporting of GHG data
from large emission sources across a range of industry sectors, as well as
suppliers of products that would emit GHGs if released or combusted. Most
reporting entities submitted data for calendar year 2010. However, an
additional 12 source categories will begin reporting their 2011 GHG data this
year.
Access EPA’s GHG Reporting Program Data and Data Publication Tool:http://epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ghgdata/
Information on the GHG Reporting Program:http://epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ghgrulemaking.html
Information on the U.S. Inventory of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Sources and Sinks:http://epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/usinventoryreport.html
Source: www.environmental-expert.com
January 14, 2012.