An environmental group released a report today with good news for our region. Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Delaware have reduced greenhouse gas emissions since 1990.
It’s not a huge change, but big enough that Environment Connecticut is touting many of the state’s programs designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Between 1990 and 2007, carbon emissions from fossil fuel combustion dropped 3% in the state. But carbon emissions across the country increased by 19%. Environment Connecticut says one reason for the decrease here is a change in the kind of fuel that’s used.
In 1997 oil was used to generate nearly half of the state’s electricity. A decade later that dropped to 4%. Christopher Phelps of Environment Connecticut says now we use mostly natural gas which releases fewer greenhouse gasses. Phelps also credits energy efficiency programs:
“Those have paid off enormous dividends by allowing us to sue energy more smartly and more effectively and reduce the amount of energy it takes to run our homes and our businesses.”
Phelps points out in addition the amount of renewable energy required by the state has increased. In 1990 hardly any of the state’s electricity came from renewable sources, like wind. Today utilities are required to get at least 6% from renewables.