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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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How much carbon dioxide is produced from U.S. gasoline and diesel fuel consumption?

EIA estimates that in 2022, U.S. motor gasoline and diesel (distillate) fuel consumption in the U.S. transportation sector resulted in the emission of about 1,023 million metric tons (MMmt) of carbon dioxide (CO2) and 464 MMmt of CO2, respectively, for a total of about 1,488 MMmt of CO2. This total was equal to about 81% of total U.S. transportation sector CO2 emissions and to about 30% of total U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions in 2022.1

Under international agreement, CO2 emissions from the combustion of biomass or biofuels are not included in national greenhouse gas emissions inventories.2 Therefore, estimates for the CO2 emissions that result from consumption (combustion) of biofuels are not included in EIA’s U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions data.

1 Monthly Energy Review, Environment section, Tables 11.1 and 11.5, November 2023
2 Monthly Energy Review, Environment section, Section note.

Learn more:
How do I convert between short tons and metric tons?
How much ethanol is in gasoline, and how does it affect fuel economy?
What are the greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions factors for fuels and electricity?
Historical U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions by source (fuel type) and sector
Historical data on U.S. ethanol and biodiesel production and consumption (Tables 10.3 and 10.4)

Last updated: November 28, 2023.


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