(RTTNews) - Total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2007 were 1.4% higher than 2006, according to Energy Information Administration data revealed on Wednesday. The emissions growth was largely the result of an increase in carbon dioxide emissions, the EIA said.

Estimated U.S. Anthropogenic Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 2007 was approximately 7.28 billion metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent, compared to 7.18 billion in 2006.

The EIA said the increase in carbon dioxide emissions was primarily due to unfavorable weather conditions, which increased demand for heating and cooling, and a and a drop in hydropower availability that led to greater reliance on fossil energy sources such as coal and natural gas.

There were larger percentage increases in emissions of other greenhouse gases, but the contributions to total emissions growth were relatively small.

Methane emissions totaled 699.9 million metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent in 2007, up by 13 million in 2006. Emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) increased by 8.2 million metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent to a 383.9 million in 2007.

The data presents the EIA's latest inventory, as required by law, of emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and other greenhouse gases. The first report, titled Emissions of Greenhouse Gases 1985-1990, was published in September 1993.

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