Explore GHG emissions in the United States

Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration reveals that energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions vary significantly across states on both an absolute, per capita, and square kilometer basis.1 Total state CO2 emissions include CO2 emissions from direct fuel use in the residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation sectors, as well as primary fuels consumed for electricity generation. The term “energy-related CO2 emissions” refers to emissions released at the location where fossil fuels are combusted.

Carbon dioxide emissions are determined by a complex combination of factors, such as climate, population (size, density, distribution), the structure of the economy, the types of fuels and electricity used, and state and local laws and regulations related to energy and climate.

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1 U.S. Energy Information Administration, “Energy-Related CO2 Emission Data Tables,” accessed January 20, 2024, https://www.eia.gov/environment/emissions/state/

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