Natural gas has become the No. 1 fuel source for electricity generation in the U.S. As a result, increased use of natural gas and other lower-carbon energy sources is driving down overall emissions.
Specifically, from 2005 to 2016, the U.S. has reduced its CO2 emissions from power plants by 24 percent while increasing its power generation by 1 percent, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
In fact, despite consuming significantly more energy, power plants now emit lower levels of CO2than the transportation sector.
Indeed, U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are at levels comparable to the 1990s, thanks in part to responsible production operations and fuel transitions by utility companies. And as the industry continues to move toward more environmentally sustainable feedstocks, the potential to reduce emissions continues to grow.
Take a look at which states are driving the greatest reductions in emissions:
- Ohio
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- North Carolina
- Georgia
- Alabama
- Texas
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Michigan
Source: ExxonMobil
