Climate Central, using information from the Energy Information Administration, is reporting that transport now produces more emissions than do the sources we use for electricity generation:
The change comes as U.S. electricity generation relies less on coal and more on renewables and natural gas (a less carbon-intensive fossil fuel). Transportation emissions have also declined from a peak in 2008 due to steadily improving fuel economies, although there has been a small uptick recently as a result of a drop in gas prices. The projected growth in electric vehicles suggests decreases in CO2 transportation emissions are on the horizon. Even when accounting for how electricity is generated, an electric vehicle emits less carbon dioxide than a comparable gasoline car in a majority of U.S. states.
Influence Map, a site dedicated to monitoring government lobbying efforts, notes this is no surprise as the car manufacturers are lobbying a no doubt sympathetic Trump Administration to relax fleet requirements:
The current US federal authorities have moved to dismantle a regulatory framework for automotive efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions set in place by the previous Obama-era administration. InfluenceMap’s analysis of US auto industry lobbying shows an accelerated pattern of aggressive opposition to weaken climate-motivated policy since the election of President Donald Trump. The pattern of lobbying suggests an opportunistic effort from US auto lobby groups, particularly the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM), to sway the regulatory regime on behalf of members GM, Ford, Toyota, FCA and others. This lobbying activity by the AAM contrasts significantly with the top line statements from many of these member companies on climate change.
I wonder if this two-faced behavior will be used against them in the future, after Trump’s incompetence has been buried.
