Wow, Wow, Wow --- CO2, Market Forces, and All That Jazz

Lowest CO2 emissions from the United States in 20 years.

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.

The drop occurred despite all the flaring in the Bakken. 

This is not entirely true....that part about "market forces only." The government has put in strict environmental controls. In fact, I assume the president should take credit for this turnaround when he defends his well-known position to kill the US coal industry. 

One of the hottest US summers on record; record drought; and CO2 emissions at a 20-year low.

Just saying.

The story continues:

In a little-noticed technical report, the U.S. Energy Information Agency, a part of the Energy Department, said this month that total U.S. CO2 emissions for the first four months of this year fell to about 1992 levels. The Associated Press contacted environmental experts, scientists and utility companies and learned that virtually everyone believes the shift could have major long-term implications for U.S. energy policy.

Like fracking.

Just saying.