The EPA on April 17 unveiled its latest report on greenhouse gas emissions prepared for the United Nations Framework on Climate Change.

The EPA blamed the increase in greenhouse gas emissions on increased and energy and fuel consumption taking place because of economic expansion. The burning of fossil fuels generates carbon dioxide emissions.

"Even with the dramatic increase in economic activity, the U.S. is making significant progress toward the president´s greenhouse gas reduction goals by working with our partners to reduce their climate footprints in cost-effective ways, both at home and abroad," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.

President Bush has established a goal of reducing greenhouse gas intensity by 18 percent by 2012. Greenhouse gas intensity is measured by comparing changes in greenhouse gas emissions with changes in the gross domestic product.

The newly issued report, "Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2004," shows that methane and nitrous oxide emissions have decreased from 1990 levels by 10 percent and 2 percent, respectively.

While the U.S. economy expanded by 51 percent from 1990 to 2004, emissions have grown by only 15.8 percent over the same period, according to the EPA.