U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions decreased by 3 per cent in 2023

This article was published by the US Energy Information Administration on April 29, 2024.

By Kevin Nakolan

• Based on analysis in our most recent U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions report, U.S. energy-related CO₂ emissions decreased by 3 per cent, about 134 million metric tons (MMmt), in 2023.
• Over 80 per cent of the emissions reductions occurred in the electric power sector, caused largely by decreased coal-fired electricity generation, which was displaced by increased generation from solar and natural gas. Electric power sector emissions decreased to about 1,425 MMmt in 2023, about 7 per cent less than in 2022.
• Emissions also decreased in the residential and commercial sectors by a combined 6 per cent in 2023, to about 561 MMmt, due to milder weather leading to less energy demand for space heating and cooling in buildings.
• Emissions from the industrial and transportation sectors remained relatively unchanged, with differences of less than 1 per cent from 2022.