Archive for August 31st, 2012

Credit: Helen Wilkinson

“U.S. carbon emissions in surprise reduction,” read one headline. “Historic Drop In U.S. Carbon Emissions,” said another. “U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions in early 2012 lowest since 1992,” blared a third.

How did this happen? None of President Barack Obama’s proposals to cut emissions made it through Congress. The United States didn’t ratify the Kyoto Protocol. Now the U.S. is reducing carbon emissions so fast that it seems to have hit broadside. What in the name of Al Gore is going on?

Three words: natural gas fracking. Actually, also these three words: free market forces. Read the rest of this entry »