by Shane Henson — January 16, 2012—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 the Environment Protection Agency’s (EPA) GHG Reporting Program. The 2010 GHG data released includes public information from facilities in nine industry groups that directly emit large quantities of GHGs, as well as suppliers of certain fossil fuels. Citizens, environmental groups, and even employees working for the facilities and suppliers providing the reports are likely to welcome this information and increased sense of transparency.
The EPA’s online data publication tool allows users to view and sort GHG data for calendar year 2010 from more than 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, say EPA officials.
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%, followed by methane with 4%, and nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases accounting for the remaining 1%.
- 100 facilities each reported emissions over 7 mmtCO2e, including 96 power plants, two iron and steel mills, and two refineries.
- CO2 accounted for the largest share of direct GHG emissions with 95%, followed by methane with 4%, and nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases accounting for the remaining 1%.
