US emissions have increased by 15% since 1990

The United States is responsible for a quarter of the world's total carbon dioxide emissions.

Coal-fired power plants are among the worst culprits. But the owners of this one have more of an eye on their bottom line than the environment.

Southern Company gave the Kyoto accord a big thumbs down and welcome Mr Bush's business-friendly alternative.

Ray Harry with the Southern Company echoes Bush administration concerns that higher prices in energy could harm the US economy.

"We think over the long term we can balance these competing objectives of protecting the environment and protecting our economic security and energy security with the right kind of policies," Mr Harry said.

So what might the new global warming plan offer?

• Enforced limits on emissions may go - replaced by targets.
• Big polluters who exceed those targets may be able to buy credits from cleaner companies.
• And there will probably be a focus on new technology to cut greenhouse gas emissions without hitting profits.

Little chance of change

It is all music to the ears of the energy lobby.

Energy consultant Frank Maizano said, "You can make the most restrictive emissions cuts in the world, (but) if you put your economy in the toilet, it's all for naught."

Businesses like this one may be heaving a sigh of relief at the Bush alternatives to Kyoto. But his rejection of the accord sparked international condemnation. And his new proposals are unlikely to go far in silencing his critics.

In this famously gas-guzzling nation, with most journeys made by road, environmentalists say the White House approach is too little, too late.

"US emissions are 15% above 1990 levels," said Eileen Claussen of the Pew Centre for Global Climate Change. "They'll keep on going up. They certainly won't level us off, and they certainly won't put us on a downward path."

And if that is the case, there is not much chance of America losing its reputation as the planet's biggest polluter.