Greenhouse Gases Rose 3.4% in 1996

Emissions of greenhouse gases from cars, factories and power plants in the United States rose sharply last year, according to a new Energy Department analysis that aides said further complicates administration efforts to devise a strategy for dealing with pollutants blamed for global warming.

The 3.4% increase found in heat-trapping gases could put pressure on the Clinton administration to propose even more stringent steps to limit emissions. But many Clinton advisors are concerned that tough action to limit pollutants could have serious adverse economic consequences.

The Energy Department report is to be released today as the White House is completing its strategy for combating global warming. White House sources said they expect details of that strategy to be announced this week in Bonn, where delegates are meeting to negotiate an international treaty on greenhouse gas reductions that is to be signed in December in Kyoto, Japan.

Although the White House proposal will reportedly include specific, legally binding targets for reducing emissions of gases, such as carbon dioxide, the new Energy Department figures suggest that achieving those goals could be even harder than anticipated. Despite substantial improvements in energy efficiency in recent years, U.S. economic growth and new consumption patterns have triggered a sharp rise in pollution, according to the annual assessment by the department’s Energy Information Administration.

“Although U.S. emissions have been growing since 1991, their growth accelerated in 1996,” the report said. It described last year’s 3.4% rise from 1995 levels as “the highest rate of increase in years.”

The report attributed the rise in part to a robust economy and higher prices for natural gas. The price increase has slowed the switch from dirtier energy forms, such as coal, which is still the fuel of choice for many of the nation’s electric utilities.

Another temporary factor was unusually severe weather in some parts of the country, reflected in a 6.3% increase in residential heating bills, the report said.