Summary
Energy-related CO2 emissions per person have decreased in every U.S. state from 2005 to 2023, mainly because less coal is being used, replaced by cleaner options like natural gas, wind, and solar. While overall emissions dropped, some states made bigger improvements than others.
Key Facts
- CO2 emissions per person fell in every U.S. state from 2005 to 2023.
- Nationwide, emissions per person decreased by 30%.
- Total CO2 emissions fell by 20% while the U.S. population grew by 14%.
- The shift from coal to natural gas, wind, and solar helped reduce emissions.
- Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Georgia saw the largest emission reductions per person.
- Maryland's coal use dropped from 56% to 5%, while natural gas increased from 4% to 41%.
- Some states like Mississippi, Idaho, and South Dakota showed minimal changes in emissions.
- The U.S. Energy Information Administration anticipates a slight increase in CO2 emissions this year.
