Global Warming In the News

(Crain’s) — A state advocacy group claims that Illinois’ coal-fired power plants over the past 15 years have surpassed other states in their emissions of carbon dioxide, a gas that contributes to global warming.

In its “The Carbon Boom” report released Thursday, Environment Illinois found that the state’s coal-fired power plants produced 64% more carbon dioxide in 2004 than in 1990. That put Illinois at the top of the list of states ranked according to absolute increases in carbon dioxide emissions from such plants.

The report also estimates a 22% increase in the state’s global warming pollution between 1990 and 2004, the most recent year for which state data are available. Comparatively, carbon dioxide emissions nationwide were up 18% for the same period.

“Unfortunately, we are headed in the wrong direction,” said Rebecca Stanfield, state director for Environment Illinois. “We are digging a bigger and bigger hole to crawl out of.”

Earlier this year, Gov. Rod Blagojevich established a goal of slashing greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and to 60% below 1990 levels by 2050. He created a climate advisory group to find ways to meet that objective.

"Emissions are certainly something people are concerned about," said Jill Watson, spokeswoman for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. "We agree we have to reach the governor's goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

Environment Illinois researchers compiled study data by taking fossil fuel consumption figures provided by the U.S. Department of Energy. The most recent data available are for 2004.

They found that coal-fired power plants, cars and sport-utility vehicles were the main culprits in contributing to global warming.

“That’s been the case for quite some time,” said James Monk, president of the Illinois Energy Assn., a trade association that represents electric and natural gas utilities as well as power generators. “Autos and electric (industry) are probably the two largest producers of carbon dioxide.”

Mr. Monk added that members of his organization are aware of their role in emitting so-called greenhouse gases.

“We are certainly cognizant of the situation and are trying to figure out the best way as an industry to address the context of the situation,” he said. “We don’t take the greenhouse situation and the carbon dioxide situation lightly.”

Illinois utilities aren’t alone in their concerns. On Wednesday, ConocoPhillips CEO Jim Mulva called for federal rules to reduce emissions that contribute to global warming, and the company became the first U.S. oil producer to join a business and environmental group called Climate Action Partnership.

Ms. Stanfield said the state could cut its global warming pollution by 25% by 2025 through adopting cleaner car standards, using renewable energy and adopting more efficient energy policies.