How much carbon dioxide is produced from U.S. gasoline and diesel fuel consumption?

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that in 2019, U.S. motor gasoline and diesel (distillate) fuel consumption in the U.S. transportation sector resulted in the emission of about 1,091 million metric tons (MMmt) of carbon dioxide (CO2) and 455 MMmt of CO2, respectively, for a total of 1,546 MMmt of CO2. This total was equal to 81% of total U.S. transportation sector CO2 emissions and equal to 30% of total U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions in 2019.1

Under international agreement, CO2 emissions from the combustion of biomass or biofuels are not included in national greenhouse gas emissions inventories.2 Therefore, estimates for the CO2 emissions that result from the consumption (combustion) of ethanol in gasoline and of biodiesel in diesel fuel are not included in EIA’s estimates of U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions.

1 Preliminary estimates.

2 Monthly Energy Review, Environment section, Section note.

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Historical U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions by source (fuel type) and sector

Historical data on U.S. ethanol and biodiesel production and consumption (Tables 10.3 and 10.4)

Last updated: May 20, 2020

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