U.S. Emissions

After a 7 percent drop in energy consumption (2019 to 2020) from the COVID-19 pandemic and a subsequent 5 percent pop in energy use (2020 to 2021) as economic activity resumed, we estimate that U.S. net greenhouse emissions are now 17 percent below 2005 levels in 2021. Electric power sector emissions have fallen nearly 36 percent (2005 – 2021) as a result of a shift from coal to natural gas, increased use of renewable energy, and a leveling of electricity demand. Transportation sector emissions fell almost 9 percent, while industrial sector emissions fell by a little more than 4 percent over the same period.

U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Gas and Sector, 2020

Trends in U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions, 1990–2020

Trends in CO2 Emissions Across All Sectors by Fuel Type, 2000 - 2021

Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions by Sector (MMtCO2), 2000–2021

Trends in CO2 Emissions in the U.S. Power Sector, 2000–2021

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