Business Insider: There's Been An Incredible Drop In Projected US Carbon-Dioxide Emissions
... From 2009 to 2013, key changes in the AEO [Annual Energy Outlook] include:
- Downward revisions in the economic growth outlook, which dampens energy demand growth
- Lower transportation sector consumption of conventional fuels based on updated fuel economy standards, increased penetration of alternative fuels, and more modest growth in light-duty vehicle miles traveled
- Generally higher energy prices, with the notable exception of natural gas, where recent and projected prices reflect the development of shale gas resources
- Slower growth in electricity demand and increased use of low-carbon fuels for generation
- Increased use of natural gas
Power sector transformation, based on decarbonization of the generation mix, occurs because natural gas and renewables gain market share at the expense of coal, reflecting:
- Resource economics—high domestic production of natural gas at historically low prices, reflecting increased production of shale gas
- Regulation—updated state renewable portfolio standards and efficiency standards, and cap-and-trade provisions of California Assembly Bill 32, as well as implementation of federal policies to reduce sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards and other policies and measures at local, state, and federal levels
