IOWA NEWS: DNR posts 2017 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory

DES MOINES - According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources's legislatively mandated '2017 Iowa Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report” posted Thursday, greenhouse gas emissions in Iowa increased, primarily from increases in ammonia production and electricity generated from natural gas.

Statewide emissions increased 3 percent from 2016 levels, but are 6 percent lower than 2008 levels.

Emissions from industrial sources increased 32 percent, primarily due to increased production of ammonia.

Power plant emissions increased 5 percent in 2017, but are down 37 percent from their peak in 2010 as the amount of electricity generated in Iowa from renewable energy increased.

In 2017, 131 million metric tons of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide equivalents) were emitted. Historically, Iowa greenhouse gas emissions represent approximately 2 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

This is the 12th greenhouse gas inventory conducted for Iowa. The report's purpose is to document emissions trends and develop baselines to track progress in reducing emissions.

The inventory is a policy-neutral calculation of Iowa greenhouse gas emissions in 2017, which includes sectors of agriculture, fossil fuel combustion, industrial processes, natural gas transmission and distribution, transportation, and waste. It also includes carbon sinks and emissions from land use, land use changes and forestry.