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

In-brief analysis

• Based on analysis in our most recent U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions report, U.S. energy-related CO₂ emissions decreased by 3%, about 134 million metric tons (MMmt), in 2023.
• Over 80% 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% less than in 2022.
• Emissions also decreased in the residential and commercial sectors by a combined 6% 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% from 2022.

Principal contributor: Kevin Nakolan

Tags: residential, commercial, transportation, generation, electricity, emissions, United States, industrial, CO₂ (carbon dioxide)