In 2022, the U.S. generated 6.343 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO₂e). Figure 2 below shows the sources of GHG emissions in the U.S. and their respective percentages of total GHG emissions. The transportation, electricity, and industry sectors produced the majority of GHGs due to the burning of fossil fuels. The transportation sector produced more GHG emissions than any other sector, and petroleum-based fuels accounted for 90 percent of the fuels used in this sector. Electricity production is the second largest share of GHGs in the U.S., with coal and natural gas accounting for 60 percent of the fuels in this sector. The industry sector primarily produced GHGs emissions through the consumption of energy to produce materials from raw goods. Commercial and residential use of fossil fuels and agriculture made up the rest of the GHG emissions inventory. Land use and forestry offsets 13 percent of U.S. GHG emissions (EPA 2024a).

Figure 2.         Total U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Economic Sector in 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: U.S. EPA 2024a

Overall, GHG emissions have increased by 0.2 percent annually since 1990, with small dips and shifts due to the state of the economy, gas prices, and other related factors. GHG emissions have decreased by 5.2 percent in comparison to 2021. This decrease can be attributed to less overall energy use as well as a widespread shift towards renewable energy sources (EPA 2024a). Figure 3, below, shows this trend.

Figure 3.            Annual Percentage Change in Gross U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Relative to the Previous Year

Source: U.S. EPA 2024a