Community Corner

EPA Map Shows Local Sources of Greenhouse Gas

A new carbon emissions database maps out the biggest stationary sources of carbon pollution nationwide.

A new map launched by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reveals the major sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.  This is the first time GHG data is easily accessible to the public, according to an EPA news release. 

Users can zoom out to see areas of the country with the largest concentration of carbon pollution. Or they can zoom in to see local sources of GHG emissions.

The map shows local sources of GHG emissions, which include Abbott Laboratories in North Chicago, South Barrington Landfill, Countryside Landfill in Grayslake, TC Industries in Crystal Lake, Nichols Aluminum in Lincolnshire and the Great Lakes Naval Station.

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Collected from 6,700 facilities and suppliers during calendar year 2010, the map represents an estimated 80 percent of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Huffington Post.

Facilities that emit 25,000 metric tons or more per year of GHGs are required to annually report their GHG emissions to the EPA.

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The GHG data reveals that power plants are the largest sources of pollution, followed by petroleum refineries. 

“Thanks to strong collaboration and feedback from industry, states and other organizations, today we have a transparent, powerful data resource available to the public,” said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “The GHG Reporting Program data provides a critical tool for businesses and other innovators to find cost- and fuel-saving efficiencies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and foster technologies to protect public health and the environment.”


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