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U.S. Emissions

U.S. net emissions declined 17.4 percent from 2005 to 2023 due to a range of market- and policy-related factors. Electric power sector emissions fell 41 percent (through 2024) as a result of a shift from coal to natural gas, increased use of renewable energy, and a leveling of electricity demand. Economywide energy-related carbon dioxide emissions have now declined 7 percent below pre-pandemic levels (2019 – 2024); year-over-year transportation sector emissions have remained nearly flat, while industrial emissions ticked downward by 1.3 percent.

U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Gas and Sector, 2021

Notes

In 2023, the United States emitted nearly 6.2 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases (CO2e). Carbon dioxide accounted for the largest percentage of greenhouse gases (79%), followed by methane (11%), nitrous oxide (6%), and other greenhouse gases (3%).

Source

Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks 1990-2023 (EPA, 2025)

Trends in U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions, 1990–2023

Notes

Total emissions decreased by 5.2 percent between 1990 and 2023 and are down 18 percent from the 2007 peak.

Source

Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks 1990-2023 (EPA, 2025)

Trends in CO2 Emissions Across All Sectors by Fuel Type, 2000–2024

Notes

Emissions from energy consumption fell by a bit less than one half of a percent in 2024 as declines in natural gas and coal use were offset somewhat by a rise in petroleum use.

Source

Monthly Energy Review (EIA, 2025)

Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions by Sector (MMtCO2), 2000–2024

Notes

Energy-related carbon dioxide emissions have fallen by more than 20 percent since 2005 due to lower coal and petroleum consumption and an increasing share of renewable electricity. This has been offset somewhat by an increasing share of natural gas consumption.

Source

Monthly Energy Review (EIA, 2025)

Trends in CO2 Emissions in the U.S. Power Sector, 2000–2024

Notes

Natural gas, which emits about half the amount of CO2 as coal, is being used more extensively due to its lower price and is displacing coal-fired generation.

Power sector emissions rose slightly in 2024 as coal and petroleum declines were offset by a rise in natural gas-fired generation. Power sector carbon dioxide emissions are down nearly 41 percent from 2005 levels.

Source

Monthly Energy Review (EIA, 2025)

Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions by Sector (MMtCO2), 2000–2050

Source

Annual Energy Outlook (EIA, 2023)

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