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Current Issues & Trends

EIA expects U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide emissions to increase in 2022 and 2023

EIA expects U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide emissions to increase in 2022 and 2023

CO2 (carbon dioxide)emissionsliquid fuelsnatural gasoil/petroleum

12/31/1969
Washington State’s emissions allowance program held its first auctions in 2023

Washington State’s emissions allowance program held its first auctions in 2023

CO2 (carbon dioxide)Washingtonemissionsstates

3/7/2024
Global CO2 emissions rise through 2050 in most IEO2023 cases

Global CO2 emissions rise through 2050 in most IEO2023 cases

CO2 (carbon dioxide)IEO (International Energy Outlook)coalemissionsforecasts/projectionsinternationalliquid fuelsnatural gas

11/30/2023
Coal generation decreased in 2022, but overall U.S. emissions increased

Coal generation decreased in 2022, but overall U.S. emissions increased

CO2 (carbon dioxide)coalelectricityemissionsgeneration

11/29/2023
Lower CO2 emissions are partially due to shifts in power generation sources

Lower CO2 emissions are partially due to shifts in power generation sources

CO2 (carbon dioxide)STEO (Short-Term Energy Outlook)electricityemissionsforecasts/projectionsgeneration

11/28/2023
Carbon dioxide emissions fell slightly in 2022 due to a reduction in the carbon intensity of electric power sources

Carbon dioxide emissions fell slightly in 2022 due to a reduction in the carbon intensity of electric power sources

electric generationemissionsnatural gas

11/22/2023
Northeast U.S. carbon dioxide emissions prices return to last year’s highs

Northeast U.S. carbon dioxide emissions prices return to last year’s highs

CO2 (carbon dioxide)Northeastemissionsprices

11/15/2023
EIA projects that U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions will fall through 2050 in AEO2023

EIA projects that U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions will fall through 2050 in AEO2023

AEO (Annual Energy Outlook)CO2 (carbon dioxide)electricityemissionsforecasts/projectionsgenerationrenewables

3/16/2023
Global allowance prices for CO2 emissions increased by over 40% in 2021

Global allowance prices for CO2 emissions increased by over 40% in 2021

CO2 (carbon dioxide)emissionsinternationalprices

12/13/2022
Carbon intensity of U.S. power generation continues to fall but varies widely by state

Carbon intensity of U.S. power generation continues to fall but varies widely by state

CO2 (carbon dioxide)IowaKansasOklahomaTennesseecoalelectric generationmapnatural gasrenewablesstates

9/13/2022
RGGI carbon dioxide emissions price reached new quarterly record in June 2022

RGGI carbon dioxide emissions price reached new quarterly record in June 2022

CO2 (carbon dioxide)ConnecticutMaineMassachusettsNew JerseyNew YorkPennsylvaniaVermontemissionsgreenhouse gasespricesstates

9/8/2022
Carbon intensity of U.S. power generation continues to fall but varies widely by state

Carbon intensity of U.S. power generation continues to fall but varies widely by state

CO2 (carbon dioxide)electricityemissions

8/24/2022
U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions rose 6% in 2021

U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions rose 6% in 2021

CO2 (carbon dioxide)electricityemissionsgenerationtransportation

5/13/2022
Prices for California’s emissions credits increase in early 2022 auction

Prices for California’s emissions credits increase in early 2022 auction

CaliforniaUnited Statesemissionsgreenhouse gasesstates

4/5/2022
EIA projects U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions to fall in the near term, then rise

EIA projects U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions to fall in the near term, then rise

AEO (Annual Energy Outlook)CO2 (carbon dioxide)emissionsforecasts/projections

3/21/2022
EIA analysis considers different outcomes for coal markets in India and Southeast Asia

EIA analysis considers different outcomes for coal markets in India and Southeast Asia

CO2 (carbon dioxide)IEO (International Energy Outlook)Indiacoalemissions

2/8/2022
Utilities’ carbon-reduction goals will have little impact on U.S. CO2 emissions

Utilities’ carbon-reduction goals will have little impact on U.S. CO2 emissions

CO2 (carbon dioxide)electricityemissionsgeneration

2/4/2022
CO2 emissions allowance prices increased in latest RGGI auction

CO2 emissions allowance prices increased in latest RGGI auction

CO2 (carbon dioxide)emissions

1/24/2022
EIA projects that energy-related carbon dioxide emissions will rise over the next 30 years

EIA projects that energy-related carbon dioxide emissions will rise over the next 30 years

CO2 (carbon dioxide)IEO (International Energy Outlook)OECDemissionsnon-OECD

10/21/2021
EIA projects accelerating renewable consumption and steady liquid fuels growth to 2050

EIA projects accelerating renewable consumption and steady liquid fuels growth to 2050

CO2 (carbon dioxide)IEO (International Energy Outlook)consumption/demandforecasts/projectionsliquid fuelsrenewables

10/6/2021
In 2020, the United States produced the least CO2 emissions from energy in nearly 40 years

In 2020, the United States produced the least CO2 emissions from energy in nearly 40 years

CO2 (carbon dioxide)consumption/demandemissionsproduction/supply

7/26/2021
Electric power sector CO2 emissions drop as generation mix shifts from coal to natural gas

Electric power sector CO2 emissions drop as generation mix shifts from coal to natural gas

CO2 (carbon dioxide)coalelectricityelectricity generating fuel mixemissionsgenerationnatural gas

6/9/2021
U.S. energy-related CO<sub>2</sub> emissions declined by 11% in 2020

U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions declined by 11% in 2020

CO2 (carbon dioxide)coalcommercialelectricityemissionsindustrialnatural gasoil/petroleumresidentialtransportation

4/12/2021
CO2 emissions prices in the Northeast states reached record levels in most recent auction

CO2 emissions prices in the Northeast states reached record levels in most recent auction

CO2 (carbon dioxide)Northeastemissionsmapstates

3/23/2021
EIA’s AEO2021 shows U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions rising after the mid-2030s

EIA’s AEO2021 shows U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions rising after the mid-2030s

AEO (Annual Energy Outlook)CO2 (carbon dioxide)coalemissionsliquid fuelsnatural gasoil/petroleum

2/11/2021
After 2020 decline, EIA expects energy-related CO2 emissions to increase in 2021 and 2022

After 2020 decline, EIA expects energy-related CO2 emissions to increase in 2021 and 2022

CO2 (carbon dioxide)STEO (Short-Term Energy Outlook)coalemissionsliquid fuelsnatural gasoil/petroleum

1/26/2021
EIA expects U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide emissions to fall 11% in 2020

EIA expects U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide emissions to fall 11% in 2020

CO2 (carbon dioxide)coalemissionsliquid fuelsnatural gasoil/petroleum

12/9/2020
U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide emissions fell in 2019, mainly in electric generation

U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide emissions fell in 2019, mainly in electric generation

CO2 (carbon dioxide)electricityemissionsgeneration

11/10/2020
Monthly U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions in April were the lowest in decades

Monthly U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions in April were the lowest in decades

CO2 (carbon dioxide)emissions

8/21/2020
EIA expects energy-related carbon dioxide emissions to fall 11% this year

EIA expects energy-related carbon dioxide emissions to fall 11% this year

CO2 (carbon dioxide)STEO (Short-Term Energy Outlook)emissions

5/13/2020
U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide fell by 2.8% in 2019, slightly below 2017 levels

U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide fell by 2.8% in 2019, slightly below 2017 levels

CO2 (carbon dioxide)emissionstransportation

5/5/2020
EIA analysis shows how carbon fees would reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the near term

EIA analysis shows how carbon fees would reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the near term

AEO (Annual Energy Outlook)CO2 (carbon dioxide)emissions

3/17/2020
EIA’s 50% Carbon-Free Generation side case projects little effect on CO2 emissions

EIA’s 50% Carbon-Free Generation side case projects little effect on CO2 emissions

CO2 (carbon dioxide)electricitygeneration

3/11/2020
Alternative policies cases explore effects of potential legislative and regulatory changes

Alternative policies cases explore effects of potential legislative and regulatory changes

AEO (Annual Energy Outlook)CO2 (carbon dioxide)emissions

3/5/2020
EIA projects total U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions to be relatively flat through 2050

EIA projects total U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions to be relatively flat through 2050

AEO (Annual Energy Outlook)CO2 (carbon dioxide)emissions

2/10/2020
EIA expects U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions to decrease annually through 2021

EIA expects U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions to decrease annually through 2021

CO2 (carbon dioxide)STEO (Short-Term Energy Outlook)emissions

1/17/2020
Auction prices for regional carbon dioxide allowances have increased since the 2017 low

Auction prices for regional carbon dioxide allowances have increased since the 2017 low

CO2 (carbon dioxide)emissions

12/10/2019
Natural gas venting and flaring increased in North Dakota and Texas in 2018

Natural gas venting and flaring increased in North Dakota and Texas in 2018

North DakotaTexasemissionsmethanenatural gas

12/6/2019
U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions rose in 2018 for the first year since 2014

U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions rose in 2018 for the first year since 2014

CO2 (carbon dioxide)emissions

11/26/2019
EIA projects global energy-related CO2 emissions will increase through 2050

EIA projects global energy-related CO2 emissions will increase through 2050

CO2 (carbon dioxide)IEO (International Energy Outlook)emissions

9/30/2019
New EPA ruling expands sale of 15% ethanol blended motor gasoline

New EPA ruling expands sale of 15% ethanol blended motor gasoline

biofuelsethanolgasolinemappolicy

7/16/2019
EIA expects U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions to fall in 2019

EIA expects U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions to fall in 2019

CO2 (carbon dioxide)emissions

7/15/2019
Energy-related carbon dioxide emission profiles differ dramatically from state to state

Energy-related carbon dioxide emission profiles differ dramatically from state to state

CO2 (carbon dioxide)CaliforniaNew YorkOregonTexasVermontWashingtonemissionsstates

4/1/2019
EIA projects U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions will remain near current level through 2050

EIA projects U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions will remain near current level through 2050

AEO (Annual Energy Outlook)CO2 (carbon dioxide)emissions

3/20/2019
Emissions from the U.S. electric power sector projected to remain mostly flat through 2050

Emissions from the U.S. electric power sector projected to remain mostly flat through 2050

AEO (Annual Energy Outlook)CO2 (carbon dioxide)NOx (nitrogen oxides)SO2 (sulfur dioxide)coalelectricityemissionsnatural gasrenewables

2/11/2019
U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions increased in 2018 but will likely fall in 2019 and 2020

U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions increased in 2018 but will likely fall in 2019 and 2020

CO2 (carbon dioxide)coalemissionsnatural gasoil/petroleum

1/28/2019
Changes in coal sector led to less SO2 and NOx emissions from electric power industry

Changes in coal sector led to less SO2 and NOx emissions from electric power industry

coalelectricityemissionsgenerationmap

12/11/2018
Carbon dioxide emissions from the U.S. power sector have declined 28% since 2005

Carbon dioxide emissions from the U.S. power sector have declined 28% since 2005

CO2 (carbon dioxide)electricityemissionsgeneration

10/29/2018
U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions fell slightly in 2017

U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions fell slightly in 2017

CO2 (carbon dioxide)coalemissionsliquid fuelsnatural gasoil/petroleum

9/5/2018
Plant-level cooling water and air emissions data are now available on a new beta version of EIA’s Electricity Data Browser

Plant-level cooling water and air emissions data are now available on a new beta version of EIA’s Electricity Data Browser

CO2 (carbon dioxide)NOx (nitrogen oxides)SO2 (sulfur dioxide)electricityemissionsmonthly

4/24/2018

About 7% of fossil fuels are consumed for non-combustion use in the United States

CO2 (carbon dioxide)HGL (hydrocarbon gas liquid)coalconsumption/demanddailyemissionsliquid fuelsnatural gasoil/petroleum

4/6/2018

U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions expected to rise slightly in 2018, remain flat in 2019

CO2 (carbon dioxide)coaldailyemissionsinternationalliquid fuelsnatural gasoil/petroleum

2/8/2018

California plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030

CO2 (carbon dioxide)Californiadailyemissionsstates

2/2/2018

Energy-related carbon dioxide emissions decreased in most states from 2005 to 2015

CO2 (carbon dioxide)dailyemissionsstates

12/11/2017

Growth in global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions expected to slow

CO2 (carbon dioxide)IEO (International Energy Outlook)emissionsinternational

11/16/2017

CO2 emissions from coal fell by record amount in 2015, led by Texas and Midwest

CO2 (carbon dioxide)MidwestTexascoaldailyelectricitygenerationnatural gasstates

11/13/2017

Petra Nova is one of two carbon capture and sequestration power plants in the world

CO2 (carbon dioxide)coaldailyelectricityemissionsgenerationgreenhouse gasespower plants

10/31/2017

Energy-related carbon dioxide emissions expected to fall in 2017 but rise in 2018

CO2 (carbon dioxide)STEO (Short-Term Energy Outlook)coaldailyemissionsforecasts/projectionsnatural gasoil/petroleumweather

10/12/2017

Coal plants installed mercury controls to meet compliance deadlines

coaldailyelectricityemissionsgeneration

9/18/2017

Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative auction prices are the lowest since 2014

CO2 (carbon dioxide)dailyemissionsgreenhouse gases

5/31/2017

Carbon intensity of energy use is lowest in U.S. industrial and electric power sectors

CO2 (carbon dioxide)commercialdailyelectricitygenerationindustrialresidentialtransportation

5/1/2017

U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions fell 1.7% in 2016

CO2 (carbon dioxide)coaldailyelectricityemissionsgenerationnatural gas

4/10/2017

Projected carbon dioxide emissions are sensitive to factors driving fossil fuel use

AEO (Annual Energy Outlook)CO2 (carbon dioxide)coaldailyemissionsforecasts/projectionsliquid fuelsnatural gasoil/petroleumpricesresources

3/2/2017

Sulfur dioxide emissions from U.S. power plants have fallen faster than coal generation

SO2 (sulfur dioxide)coaldailyelectricityemissionsgeneration

2/3/2017

Power sector carbon dioxide emissions fall below transportation sector emissions

CO2 (carbon dioxide)coaldailyelectricityemissionsgenerationnatural gastransportation

1/19/2017

Energy-related CO2 emissions for first six months of 2016 are lowest since 1991

CO2 (carbon dioxide)coaldailyelectricityemissionsgenerationhydroelectricnatural gassolarwind

10/12/2016

Energy-related CO2 emissions from natural gas surpass coal as fuel use patterns change

CO2 (carbon dioxide)coaldailyemissionsexports/importsnatural gasnuclearoil/petroleumrenewables

8/17/2016

Clean Power Plan implementation choices by states could affect electricity generation mix

AEO (Annual Energy Outlook)AEO2016CO2 (carbon dioxide)alternative fuelscoaldailyelectricityelectricity generating fuel mixenergy efficiencyforecasts/projectionsnatural gasrenewablessolarwind

7/6/2016

Proposed standards for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles would reduce diesel consumption

AEO (Annual Energy Outlook)AEO2016dailydieselgasolineoil/petroleumtransportation

6/27/2016

Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative auction prices decline

CO2 (carbon dioxide)dailyelectricityemissionsgeneration

6/24/2016

Clean Power Plan implementation decisions affect CO2 emissions and electricity prices

AEO (Annual Energy Outlook)AEO2016CO2 (carbon dioxide)dailyelectricityforecasts/projectionsgeneration

6/21/2016

Clean Power Plan accelerates the growth of renewable generation throughout United States

AEO (Annual Energy Outlook)AEO2016alternative fuelscoaldailyforecasts/projectionsnatural gasnuclearrenewablessolarwind

6/17/2016

Future power sector carbon dioxide emissions depend on status of Clean Power Plan

CO2 (carbon dioxide)coaldailyelectricityemissions

5/18/2016

Projected growth in CO2 emissions driven by countries outside the OECD

CO2 (carbon dioxide)IEO (International Energy Outlook)dailyemissionsforecasts/projectionsinternational

5/16/2016

Carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generation in 2015 were lowest since 1993

CO2 (carbon dioxide)coaldailyelectricityemissionsgenerationnatural gasrenewables

5/13/2016

U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in 2015 are 12% below their 2005 levels

CO2 (carbon dioxide)dailyelectricityemissionsweather

5/9/2016

Natural gas leak at California storage site raises environmental and reliability concerns

Californiadailyemissionsgreenhouse gasesnatural gasstates

2/1/2016

Past Issues & Trends

U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions up 1% in 2014 as buildings, transport energy use rises November 24, 2015

CO2 (carbon dioxide)buildingscommercialconsumption/demanddailyemissionsresidentialtransportation

Energy-related carbon dioxide emissions decreased in nearly every state from 2005 to 2013 November 23, 2015

CO2 (carbon dioxide)dailyemissionsstates

United States and China advance policies to limit CO2 emissions November 18, 2015

CO2 (carbon dioxide)Chinadailyemissionsgreenhouse gasesinternational

Vehicle standards around the world aim to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions October 30, 2015

CO2 (carbon dioxide)dailyemissionsexports/importsgreenhouse gasestransportationvehicles

Coal production using mountaintop removal mining decreases by 62% since 2008 July 7, 2015

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)West Virginiacoaldailyminingproduction/supplystates

EIA celebrates 20 years on the Internet June 30, 2015

dailytotal energy

Marine Fuel Choice For Ocean Going Vessels Within Emission Control Areas June 11, 2015

LNG (liquefied natural gas)NEMS (National Energy Modeling System)coalemissionsforecasts/projectionsmarine transportationtransportation

Efficiency moderates effects of higher electricity prices under proposed Clean Power Plan June 11, 2015

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)dailyefficiencyelectricity

Proposed Clean Power Plan rule would reduce coal production, especially in the West June 10, 2015

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)coaldailyproduction/supply

Under the proposed Clean Power Plan, natural gas, then renewables, gain generation share May 27, 2015

CO2 (carbon dioxide)EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)dailyelectricityemissionsforecasts/projectionsgeneration

Proposed Clean Power Plan rule cuts power sector CO2 emissions to lowest level since 1980s May 26, 2015

CO2 (carbon dioxide)EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)dailyelectricityemissionsforecasts/projectionsgeneration

EIA's Annual Energy Outlook will be released later today April 14, 2015

dailyforecasts/projections

Large reduction in distillate fuel sulfur content has only minor effect on energy content February 24, 2015

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)dailydieseldistillate fueloil/petroleum

Lower electricity-related CO2 emissions reflect lower carbon intensity and electricity use October 23, 2014

CO2 (carbon dioxide)consumption/demanddailyelectricityemissions

Weather-driven energy intensity increase led to higher energy-related emissions in 2013 October 22, 2014

CO2 (carbon dioxide)dailyemissions

U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions October 21, 2014

CO2 (carbon dioxide)annualemissionsgreenhouse gasesmost popular

European nations are increasing electricity generation using no-carbon sources September 22, 2014

Europedailyemissionsgeothermalinternationalnuclearrenewables

Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative auction prices continue to rise September 18, 2014

CO2 (carbon dioxide)dailyemissionsgreenhouse gases

Power sector CO2 emissions sensitive to policy changes and natural gas supply June 9, 2014

AEO (Annual Energy Outlook)AEO2014CO2 (carbon dioxide)dailyelectric generationelectricity generating fuel mixemissionsforecasts/projectionsnatural gas

Recent trends in energy-related CO2 emissions vary across regions and states June 3, 2014

CO2 (carbon dioxide)ConnecticutEPA (Environmental Protection Agency)MassachusettsNew YorkVermontWest VirginiaWyomingcoaldailyelectricitystates

U.S. ethanol imports from Brazil down in 2013 May 5, 2014

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)RFS (renewable fuel standards)RPS (Renewable Portfolio Standards)alternative fuelsbiofuelsbiomassdailyethanolgasolinerenewables

Projected CO2 emissions vary with coal and nuclear power plant retirements April 28, 2014

CO2 (carbon dioxide)coaldailyelectricityemissionsgenerationnatural gasnuclear

Light-duty vehicle energy demand: demographics and travel behavior April 16, 2014

AEO (Annual Energy Outlook)AEO2014CO2 (carbon dioxide)emissionsforecasts/projectionsvehicles

Planned coal-fired power plant retirements continue to increase March 20, 2014

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)coaldailyforecasts/projectionsgenerationretirements

Increase in wood as main source of household heating most notable in the Northeast March 17, 2014

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)New Englandalternative fuelsconsumption/demanddailyexports/importsrenewablesresidentialstateswood

Many newer power plants have cooling systems that reuse water February 11, 2014

dailyelectricitygenerationpower plants

Lower emissions cap for Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative takes effect in 2014 February 3, 2014

CO2 (carbon dioxide)ConnecticutMaineMassachusettsNew JerseyNew YorkUnited StatesVermontdailyemissionsstates

EPA proposes 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard, with EIA to provide input to the final rule November 21, 2013

RFS (renewable fuel standards)STEO (Short-Term Energy Outlook)alternative fuelsbiofuelsethanolforecasts/projectionsgasolineliquid fuelsoil/petroleumregulationweekly

EPA finalizes Renewable Fuel Standard for 2013; additional adjustments expected in 2014 August 14, 2013

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)RFS (renewable fuel standards)alternative fuelsbiofuelsdailyethanolliquid fuelsoil/petroleum

What caused the run-up in ethanol RIN prices during early 2013? June 13, 2013

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)RFS (renewable fuel standards)alternative fuelsbiofuelsdailyefficiencyethanolliquid fuels