The Associated Press reports that new data from the Energy
Information Administration shows that U.S. emissions of carbon
dioxide emissions are back down to their 1992 levels: In a
surprising turnaround, the amount of carbon dioxide being
released into the atmosphere in the U.S. has fallen dramatically
to its lowest level in 20 years, and government officials say
the biggest reason is that cheap and plentiful natural gas has
led many power plant operators to switch from dirtier-burning
coal. Many of the world’s leading climate scientists didn’t see
the drop coming, in large part because it happened as a result
of market forces rather than direct government action against
carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the
atmosphere. Scientists didn't see it coming? Well, it's not like
they understand how markets work; even markets as heavily
regulated as energy production is. The AP further reports: While
conservation efforts, the lagging economy and greater use of
renewable energy are factors in the CO2