Energy-related CO2 emissions are falling in every state

Data: U.S. Energy Information Administration; Map: Alex Fitzpatrick/AxiosEnergy-related CO2 emissions per capita fell in every U.S. state from 2005 to 2023, per federal data.That was largely because we burned less coal and more natural gas (which emits less CO2 comparatively), but wind and solar also played their part.Why it matters: The numbers indicate some success in reducing emissions to curb climate change, but the Trump administration's pro-coal, anti-wind-and-solar attitude could jeopardize that progress as it gets harder to start new clean energy projects.Driving the news: Energy-related emissions per capita fell 30% nationwide in the time frame, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) figures.Raw emissions fell 20%, while the population grew by 14%.Between the lines: The nationwide emissions decline was primarily a result of less coal being burned to generate electricity.An uptick in natural gas use, plus clean wind and solar energy, "offset the decrease in coal generation," per the EIA.Zoom in: Maryland (-49%); Washington, D.C. (-48%) and Georgia (-45%) saw the biggest decreases in energy-related emissions per capita.Coal went from 56% of Maryland's electricity generation in 2005 to 5% in 2023, the EIA says, while natural gas grew from 4% to 41%."During the same period, new solar and wind generation came online, and the combined generation mix shift resulted in a 74% reduction in Maryland's total electric power sector CO2 emissions."Yes, but: The needle barely moved in a handful of states, including Mississippi (-1%), Idaho (-3%) and South Dakota (-4%).How it works: The agency's state-by-state data reflects where power plants are located (even if their energy is sent to other states) and where transportation fuels are sold (even if vehicles burn those fuels to cross state lines).What's next: EIA is predicting a 1% uptick in overall CO2 emissions this year, in part due to a surge in demand for power from data centers and heavy industry.

Comments

World news

Jays’ Springer ‘feeling better’ ahead of Game 6

Global News

‘No Kings’ protests pass in festival atmosphere as an estimated 7 million across US rally against Trump’s ‘authoritarianism’

about 2 hours ago

Hamas hands over bodies of two more hostages, Israel confirms

Skynews

‘No Kings’ protests live updates: Anti-Trump rallies kick off in UK, Spain, Germany and Sweden before millions set to march in US

about 11 hours ago

Comments

World news

Jays’ Springer ‘feeling better’ ahead of Game 6

Fire bans in effect across southwest Quebec

Budget airliner 'almost falls into sea' at 300mph just moments after taking off from Italian holiday hotspot

Ex-Proud Boys leader and Jan 6 convict Enrique Tarrio attends ‘No Kings’ rally in Miami

‘No Kings’ protests pass in festival atmosphere as an estimated 7 million across US rally against Trump’s ‘authoritarianism’

Hamas hands over bodies of two more hostages, Israel confirms

US to repatriate survivors of strike on 'drug-carrying submarine', Trump says

Watch: Aerials show thousands attending No Kings protests across the US

Israel receives two bodies that Hamas says are Gaza hostages

'I miss the past, but we like the money': The Bali-fication of a laidback surfers' island

NPR's Jane Arraf reflects on decades of covering the Middle East

Trump in the crosshairs: ‘No Kings Day’ rallies draw hundreds of thousands

Freed: To keep Quebec secular, let’s change rue St-Hubert into chemin Barbecue

International enrolment numbers drop at UPEI by 14.2 per cent

Judge shuts down Saskatchewan climate action lawsuit

Bell: Teacher strike all but over — Danielle Smith isn't about to cave

'More exciting': Curling goes rock and roll as Grand Slam tour sweeps Nisku

Neighbourhood vigil honours five-year-old crash victim

US will send survivors of strike on suspected drug vessel back to Ecuador and Colombia, Trump say

Israel says Gaza’s Rafah crossing will remain closed, adding pressure over hostages’ remains

Best signs and costumes from the nationwide ‘No Kings’ protests condemning the Trump administration

Kristi Noem gets luxury $172M jets she had asked for prompting questions over where the funding is coming from

Trump to repatriate two survivors of strike on alleged ‘drugs sub’ destroyed in Caribbean

Heir to Mango fashion empire investigated over billionaire father’s cliff fall death

Wrongfully imprisoned for more than 40 years, US man now faces deportation to India

2 survivors of suspected drug vessel will be sent to home countries, Trump says

Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers Are a Sight to Behold

72 illegal handguns seized, 2 Brampton men charged; OPP

John Cusack says Trump should ‘go to hell!’ at ‘No Kings’ protest in Chicago

Disgraced George Santos ‘decompressing’ from ‘traumatic’ prison time after being released early by Trump

'No Kings' protest draws huge crowds across U.S.

Passenger bus crash in northeastern Brazil leaves 15 dead

Woman 'tested poison on dogs to get dose right before lacing victim's stew'

Hazrat Shahjalal Airport fire chaos as travellers stranded and flights suspended

Venezuela Announces Sweeping Military Exercises as U.S. Escalates Pressure

Tutankhamun’s tomb at risk of collapse in most fragile state since its discovery 100 years ago

New grisly details emerge about NYC teen who allegedly beheaded mom’s boyfriend, according to reports

Netanyahu pours cold water on claims that Gaza’s Rafah crossing will reopen

Chilling moment woman ‘opens suitcase in Paris bar containing body of schoolgirl, 12, she raped and murdered’

Lithium Battery Fire Aboard Air China Flight Forces Emergency Landing

For Prince Andrew, a Steady Fall From Grace Ends in a Hard Landing

2 more youths charged with first-degree murder in fatal stabbing of Toronto teen

Why ginger is the ultimate cold killer (plus hacks if you hate it)

Man who smuggled missile parts from Iran to Houthi rebels jailed for 40 years in US

Ten injured after balcony collapses near University of Cincinnati as students were celebrating end of exams

Jewish film festival postponed after cinemas ‘refuse to host events’

Postecoglou’s parody reign was only one symptom of Forest’s utter mess

Taxpayer charged £700k to maintain derelict asylum centre

Protesters in Germany demand removal of Madeleine McCann suspect

Afghanistan to boycott cricket series in Pakistan after 'strike kills local players'

Portugal set for burka ban

'VIP airport lounge staff gave us half price - here's how to do it'

Watch: Brits row from Peru to Australia in tiny boat

Eleven killed after Israel hits bus in Gaza, Hamas-run civil defence says

Why are so many rich Americans investing in British soccer teams?

Third arrest made in connection with B.C ostrich farm

Montreal satellites play role in climate fight

RCMP to review P.E.I. foreign meddling allegations

Shutdown impact: What it means for workers, federal programs and the economy

‘No Kings’ protests live updates: Anti-Trump rallies kick off in UK, Spain, Germany and Sweden before millions set to march in US