Environment
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EIA's latest Short-Term Energy Outlook for carbon dioxide emissions ›
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U.S. carbon dioxide emissions from energy use fell
in 2011 › -
EIA projects U.S. energy-related emissions of carbon dioxide will remain below their 2005 level through 2035 ›
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Energy-related carbon dioxide emissions down in 2011 ›
Energy In Brief Articles
What are greenhouse gases and how much are emitted by the United States?
Greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun and warm the planet's surface. Of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, 87% are related to energy consumption. Since 1990, greenhouse gas emissions in the United States have grown by about 1% per year.
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Energy and the Environment Explained
Greenhouse Gases' Effect on the Climate
Levels of several important greenhouse gases have increased by about 40% since large-scale industrialization began around 150 years ago. During the past 20 years, about three-quarters of human-caused emissions came from burning fossil fuels. Concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are naturally regulated by numerous processes collectively known as the "carbon cycle."
Where Greenhouse Gases Come From
In the United States, greenhouse gas emissions come primarily from the burning of fossil fuels in energy use. Energy use is largely driven by economic growth with short-term fluctuations in its growth rate created by weather patterns affecting heating and cooling needs. Energy use is also driven by changes in the fuel used in electricity generation.
Features
U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions, 2011
Released August 14, 2012
This online analysis of 2011 energy-related carbon dioxide emissions indicates U.S. carbon dioxide emissions from the consumptiion of fossil fuels were 5,471 million metric tons carbon dioxide (MMTCO2) in 2011, a decrease of 2.4 percent from the 2010 level.
Short-Term Energy Outlook
Released September 11, 2012 | Next Release: October 10, 2012
Includes projections for energy related carbon dioxide emissions through 2013.
Annual Energy Outlook 2012Released June 25, 2012
The projections in the Annual Energy Outlook 2012 focus on the factors that shape the U.S. energy system over the long term. Includes includes U.S. emissions projections for carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide through 2035.
State-Level Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions, 2000-2009
Released January 9, 2012
Energy-related carbon dioxide emissions vary significantly across States, whether considered on an absolute or per capita basis.
What's New in Environment
U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions, 2011
August 14, 2012
U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions in early 2012 lowest since 1992
August 1, 2012
What are greenhouse gases and how much are emitted by the United States?
June 21, 2012