U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide emissions 1990-2021, by fuel type
In 2021, petroleum emissions in the United States increased by 199 million metric tons to 2,234 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (MtCO₂). This was the largest absolute increase in U.S. fossil fuel CO₂ emissions that year. In 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 had a dramatic impact on petroleum consumption due to domestic and international travel restrictions, causing U.S. petroleum emissions to plummet 14 percent.
On a percentage basis, coal emissions grew the fastest of all fossil fuel CO₂ emissions in 2021, at 14 percent. This was the the first annual increase in coal emissions since 2013, though they were the still the second lowest level for more than 30 years. Coal emissions have been in decline as this fossil fuels role in the U.S. power mix has been gradually replaced by other energy sources - primarily natural gas.
On a percentage basis, coal emissions grew the fastest of all fossil fuel CO₂ emissions in 2021, at 14 percent. This was the the first annual increase in coal emissions since 2013, though they were the still the second lowest level for more than 30 years. Coal emissions have been in decline as this fossil fuels role in the U.S. power mix has been gradually replaced by other energy sources - primarily natural gas.
