How much carbon dioxide is produced from U.S. gasoline and diesel fuel consumption?
EIA estimates that in 2023, U.S. motor gasoline and diesel (distillate) fuel consumption in the U.S. transportation sector accounted for about 31% [1,489 million metric tons (MMmt)] of total U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions (4,794 MMmt). CO2 emissions from motor gasoline consumption accounted for about 22% (1,033 MMmt) and diesel fuel consumption accounted for about 9% (455 MMmt) of total U.S. energy-related carbon CO2 emissions. The combined consumption of motor gasoline and diesel fuel accounted for about 80% of total U.S. transportation sector CO2 emissions, and the U.S. transportation sector accounted for about 39% of total U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions in 2023.1
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, April 2024; preliminary data for 2023.
2 Monthly Energy Review, Environment section, Section note.
Learn more:
What are U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide emissions by source and sector?
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. biofuels production and consumption (Tables 10.2c, 10.3, 10.4a, b, and c)
Last updated: April 30, 2024.