U.S. ENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION
WASHINGTON DC 20585
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 1999
Total Carbon Emissions from Fossil Fuels in 1998 Up Only Slightly
Despite Strong Economic Growth: Weather Played an Important Role
Carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels rose only 0.4 percent in 1998 - the smallest increase since 1991 -- despite economic growth of 3.9 percent, according to preliminary estimates released today by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Carbon dioxide emissions account for about 84 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and are a good early indicator of total U.S. emissions.
Emissions resulting from increased electricity consumption during the hotter-than-normal summer were more than offset by a much warmer-than-normal winter, which reduced consumption of heating fuels. Emissions in the residential and commercial sectors both increased by 0.5 percent. Emissions from these sectors, which collectively accounted for 36 percent of 1998 emissions, have been growing about 1.7 percent per annum since 1990.
Emissions in the transportation sector, accounting for about a third of total emissions, increased by 1.8 percent in 1998. Newly revised petroleum data indicate that total U.S. petroleum consumption in 1998 was about 1 percent higher than the EIA data released earlier this year. Most of the revisions were in transportation fuels such as jet fuel and gasoline.
Despite rapid growth of the economy, estimated industrial emissions in 1998 declined by 1.2 percent. Preliminary data show a 2.5-percent decline in the industrial emissions from natural gas, a 6-percent decline in emissions from petroleum and a 3.4 percent decline in emissions from coal. Emissions attributed to the industrial sector's pro-rated share of electricity consumption grew at a rate of 2.6 percent.
Emissions from electric utilities, which are allocated to the other sectors by their levels of electricity demand, increased by 3.2 percent in 1998. Utilities took advantage of bargain oil prices and used higher-emitting oil in dual-fired generators instead of natural gas. Also, warm weather created a higher demand for residential electricity thus contributing to emissions growth.
The EIA will continue to refine its estimates of 1998 emissions as more complete energy data become available. A full inventory of emissions of all greenhouse gases will be available in October from EIA using revised energy data and providing a further analysis of trends.
The preliminary estimate is on EIA's Internet site at: http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/1605/flash/flash.html.
| The report described in this press release was prepared by the Energy Information Administration, the independent statistical and analytical agency within the U.S. Department of Energy. The information contained in the report and the press release should be attributed to the Energy Information Administration and should not be construed as advocating or reflecting any policy position of the Department of Energy or any other organization. |
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