The report calls for increasing vehicle fuel efficiency and stopping new coal-fired power plants-two hot topics in Michigan. Existing energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies could substantially reduce global warming pollution, but federal and state governments have so far rejected mandatory pollution limits.

Using data compiled by the U.S. Department of Energy, Environment Michigan's report examines trends in carbon dioxide emissions and fossil fuel combustion nationally and by state between 1960 and 2001, the most recent year for which state-by-state data are available. Michigan emitted 129.4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in 1960; by 2001, the state's emissions had grown to 189.1 million metric tons, an increase of 46%. Nationwide, emissions of carbon dioxide nearly doubled between 1960 and 2001, jumping from 2.9 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide in 1960 to almost 5.7 billion metric tons in 2001, an increase of 95%.

Energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy are win-win solutions because they would reduce our dependence on oil, reduce air pollution, protect pristine places from oil drilling and mining, and save consumers money.

So far, oil companies and the automakers have been effective in blocking increases in Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) since 1975, although a congressional vote is expected soon. Moreover, Michigan's utilities are promoting a controversial proposal to build new coal-fired power plants, an action that would increase Michigan's global warming pollution.

Nationally, Rep. Henry Waxman (CA) introduced the Safe Climate Act, which provides a long-term, science-based solution to global warming. The bill requires the U.S. to reduce its global warming pollution by 15% from today's levels by 2020 and by 80% by 2050. A similar bill was introduced in the Senate.

More information and the full text of the report can be found at www.environmentmichigan.org/reports/global-warming.