Atmospheric gases that absorb and emit infrared radiation that are created naturally and are necessary to keep the earth warm and habitable. However, human made GHGs, created through activities such as the burning fossil fuels, have increased GHG levels in the atmosphere. These increased GHG levels are considered to be a major cause of the greenhouse effect and, more specifically, global warming.

Examples of GHGs include:

In the US, state and federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Land Management have adopted regulations to limit human-made GHG emissions from the oil & gas industry, power plants, and other industrial operations.

For more information on GHG emissions and US efforts to reduce these emissions, see: