How much carbon dioxide is produced from U.S. gasoline and diesel fuel consumption?
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that in 2021, U.S. motor gasoline and diesel (distillate) fuel consumption in the U.S. transportation sector resulted in the emission of about 1,018 million metric tons (MMmt) of carbon dioxide (CO2) and 468 MMmt of CO2, respectively, for a total of about 1,486 MMmt of CO2. This total was equal to about 82% of total U.S. transportation sector CO2 emissions and to about 30% of total U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions in 2021.1
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 estimates of U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions.
1 Monthly Energy Review, Environment section, Tables 11.1 and 11.5, November 2021
2 Monthly Energy Review, Environment section, Section note.
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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: May 10, 2022
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