Transportation responsible for 40% of Calif. greenhouse pollution

Transportation is the leading cause of greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution in California, according to a state Energy Commission report released Wednesday. The study provides estimates of statewide greenhouse gas emissions comparing 1990 to 2004. Gasoline and jet fuel consumption was the leading source, causing nearly 41% of carbon dioxide pollution. Other sources of pollution included electricity generation (22.2%); industrial (20.5%) and agriculture and forestry (8.3%). In 2004, California produced 492 million metric tons of CO2-equivalent GHG emissions, including emissions associated with imported electricity. GHG emissions include carbon dioxide (CO2) methane, nitrous oxide, and assorted high global warming potential gases. Despite California's ability to slow the growing rate of GHG emissions with energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, total gross greenhouse gas emissions still rose 14.3% in fifteen years, due to increasing population and economic growth.