Between 2000 and 2010, carbon dioxide emissions fell in 32 states and rose in 18 states, according to new state level emissions data released by the energy information administration (EIA). The data examines the break out of how energy is created and used in all 50 states. In addition to historical data the EIA is publishing monthly emissions data.
According to the data, the greatest percentage decrease in carbon dioxide emissions occurred in Delware which cut 27.9% or 4.5 million metric tons from their emissions between 2000 and 2010. Texas posted the greatest absolute decline of 58.8 million metric tons or 8.3%. (Percentage changes reflect the difference in landmass and population between the two states.
Some states however, are seeing increased emissions. The greatest percentage increase was in Nebraska at 16% or an increase of 6.6 million metric tons. Colorado posted the greatest absolute increase of 11.8 million metric tons or 13.9%.
As expected, states exhibit different emissions profiles based on their local energy mix. West Virginia is a leader in coal consumption, and it accounts for over 80% of its emissions profile. Whereas most of California’s emissions (over 60%) come from petroleum.
States with greater populations also tend to emit more without a strict policy of limitation. New York for example which has introduced a number of initiatives aimed at cutting back on emissions has the lowest rate of emissions per capita of 8.8 metric tons. According to the report, the type of economy New York has also helps keep emissions low. “The New York economy is oriented towards high-value, low-energy-consuming activities such as financial markets. For example, in 2010 New York contained 6.3 percent of the U.S. population, but consumed only 1.1 percent of the country’s industrial energy,” the administration writes.
The EIA is offering all of this data in both PDF and machine readable formats. It has also included monthly data and year-long energy outlook.
