U.S Breaks All Records For Increased Greenhouse Gas Emissions

"U.S. greenhouse gas emissions during 2004 increased by 1.7 percent from the previous year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which released the figures Monday. This was the largest annual amount ever produced by any country on record, said The Royal Society, the UK national academy of science, warning that urgent action is needed to curb emissions.

The increase, which occurred during a period of economic expansion, was due primarily to an increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with fuel and electricity consumption, said EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson.

'The Bush administration has an unparalleled financial, international and domestic commitment to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,' Johnson said, attempting to present the record U.S. emission levels in the best possible light."