CO2 emission trends for the US and electric power sector

Abstract

A shift in generation mix from coal to natural gas and renewables has yielded a dramatic decline in U.S. and power sector CO2 emissions. Since 2005, the U.S. has reduced CO2 emissions over 700 million metric tons, an amount unmatched in U.S. or any other country’s history. Power sector emissions alone have fallen over 20%, nearly 500 MMT since 2005. EIA’s outlook shows these trends likely to continue. Since 2005, the U.S. has reduced CO2 emissions over 700 million metric tons, an amount unmatched in U.S. or any other country’s history. Power sector emissions alone have fallen over 20%, nearly 500MMT since 2005. This paper examines the drivers behind the decline in U.S. and power sector CO2 emissions. Shifting generation mixes are largely responsible, with less coal and more natural gas and renewables. EIA’s outlook shows these trends to continue.