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Since 1960, Delaware’s carbon emissions have increased by 45 percent.
A research study released by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) examines the increase in carbon emissions and global warming pollution from 1960 to 2001. The study found that increased natural gas emissions accounted for 46 percent of the pollution, while increased coal emissions were responsible for 34 percent.
“When you find yourself in a hole, the first thing you should do is stop digging,” said Craig Menchin of PIRG. “To protect future generations from the effects of global warming, we need to stop this trend of increasing pollution.”
PIRG is a nationwide, nonprofit, nonpartisan public interest advocacy organization that researches various issues and informs the public.
According to the PIRG data, in 1960 Delaware emitted 10.9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. By 2001, the emission of carbon dioxide ballooned to 15.8 million metric tons.
Technologies such as wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass are underused nationally, said Menchin. These technologies could substantially reduce the emissions that contribute to global warming.
“These are win-win solutions because they also would reduce our dependence on oil, reduce air pollution, protect pristine places from oil drilling and mining, and save consumers money,” he said.
Delaware’s emissions are rising rapidly, but nationwide, the rate of increase is higher still. Nationally, carbon emissions have nearly doubled, going from 2.9 billion metric tons in 1960 to almost 5.7 billion metric tons in 2001. Texas was the largest contributor of carbon emissions, accounting for 12 percent of total U.S. emissions.
“Existing energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies could substantially reduce global warming pollution, but the federal government has so far rejected mandatory pollution limits,” said Menchin. “According to NASA, 2005 was the warmest year ever recorded. The 20 warmest years in history have been recorded since 1980.”
“To protect future generations, we need to stop this trend,” said Menchin.
The reasons for increased emissions include increased reliance on electricity and energy, and increasing automobile exhaust. Our increased need for electricity causes power plants, like the Indian River Power Plant outside Millsboro, to run longer and work harder, thus adding more emissions to the environment.
Officials for the power plant are working to clean up the emissions and announced Wednesday, June 21, plans to build a cleaner coal gasification plant that would reduce emissions of many pollutants that contribute to global warming.
“As global warming causes water levels to rise, the coastal state of Delaware faces particularly grave consequences,” said Ron Zink of the Delaware Sierra Club. “Many of the natural shore habitats enjoyed in our state will change dramatically.”
Earlier this week, California’s Rep. Henry Waxman introduced legislation that could provide a long-term, science-based solution to global warming. This legislation, called the Safe Climate Act, would require the U.S. to reduce global warming pollution by 15 percent by 2020 and by 80 percent by 2050. Waxman calls for improved energy efficiency and a greater reliance on clean, renewable energy sources.
Menchin also called on Delaware Congressman Michael Castle to cosponsor the bill with Waxman. Castle said he plans to work with legislators to clean up the air.
“In Delaware, our beaches, oceans and inland waterways are some of our most valuable resources, yet they are being are jeopardized. This is no time to stand still as global warming continues to impact our environment and our lives,” said Castle. “I understand that the ongoing battle that Delaware and the mid-Atlantic region has with pollution control is not strictly created from Delaware’s industries and transportation alone. In fact a large majority of this pollution comes from the heavy industrial emissions that come from the Midwest.”
Castle said he would lead the charge by cosponsoring the bipartisan legislation with Waxman, Maryland Rep. Wayne Gilchrest and Sens. John McCain and Joe Lieberman. The legislation would cap U.S. aggregate greenhouse gas emissions.
“This legislation, which has the overwhelming support of Republicans and Democrats including Rep. Waxman, creates a fair standard with attainable goals that will help promote the use of new pollution-control technologies throughout the country,” said Castle. “Finally, I recognize climate change as a global problem and that is why I participated in a discussion with members of the Conservative Party of the British Parliament to discuss partnerships between the United States and Britain on climate change. Climate change must be addressed by Congress and all proposals merit careful evaluation.”
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