Frequently Asked Questions
What are U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide emissions by source and sector?
Total U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions were 5,171 million metric tons in 2016.
| Energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by source and sector for the United States, 2016 (million metric tons) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential | Commercial | Industrial | Transportation | Electric power | Source total | |
| Coal | 0 | 2 | 110 | 0 | 1,241 | 1,354 |
| Natural gas | 241 | 172 | 487 | 39 | 546 | 1,485 |
| Petroleum | 66 | 61 | 331 | 1,840 | 21 | 2,320 |
| Other1 | 12 | 12 | ||||
| Electricity2 | 690 | 667 | 459 | 4 | ||
| Sector total | 998 | 902 | 1,388 | 1,883 | 1,821 | 5,171 |
1 Emissions from combustion of waste materials derived from petroleum and from some types of geothermal power plants.
2 Electricity-related CO2 emissions based on electricity use for each sector and electric power emissions.
Sum of data in columns and rows may not equal the totals because of independent rounding.
Source: Monthly Energy Review, April 2017, preliminary data
Learn more:
Energy Explained: Where Greenhouse Gases Come From
What are greenhouse gases and how much are emitted by the United States?
Historical and most recent available U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions by source and sector
Last updated: May 16, 2017
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