EPA Fails to Issue Annual U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report, But Data Emerges

Unexpectedly, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) broke a nearly 30-year tradition by failing to publish a vital yearly report that discloses the levels of pollution contributing to climate change in the United States.

Every year, as part of its international commitments, the United States is expected to publish its U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks Inventory by April 15. This report is indispensable for both policymakers and the public to grasp the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions, thereby guiding effective policy-making aimed at reducing such emissions.

The anticipation for the 2025 report's release was met with silence, leading the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), a non-profit group, to file a request under the Freedom of Information Act. Following this, the report saw the light of day last week.

After evaluating data from 1990 to 2023, the report indicates that although there have been strides in lessening the nation's greenhouse gases, these efforts aren't quick enough to achieve significant climate goals, with concerns mounting over the potential impacts of recent policy changes during Trump's tenure.

When approached for comments about their failure to release the data, the EPA hasn't provided any response.

David Lyons, a leading scientist focused on methane at the EDF, emphasized the importance of the U.S. emissions report, stating, "This comprehensive report is a critical scientific tool intended to guide public understanding and policy."

Recent analysis suggests that maintaining existing climate and air quality regulations in the U.S. could prevent up to 28 billion metric tons of additional pollution by 2055. This would equate to removing over 250 million vehicles from the roads over two decades. However, these standards face uncertain futures due to regulatory rollbacks championed by the Trump administration, which argues that some environmental safeguards are excessively burdensome to businesses.

Progress on Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the U.S.

Back in 2024, the U.S. committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 61-66% from 2005 levels by 2035. Yet, the 2025 insights reveal that this target remains distant. A legislative goal set in 2015 aimed for a reduction of 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2025.

The recent findings suggest that by 2023, the total greenhouse gas emissions have decreased approximately 17% since 2005. Historically, since 1990, emissions have seen a mere 5% reduction and just 2% decrease since 2022.

With a decade left to reach the ambitious target of a 61% reduction, the Environmental Defense Fund stresses the need for more accelerated and extensive reduction efforts.

Peter Zalzal, the EDF's associate VP for clean air strategies, highlighted that shifts from coal to natural gas and renewables have contributed most significantly to emissions decline.

Dominant Sources of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Predominantly, carbon dioxide dominates the emission landscape, making up around 80% of the U.S.'s greenhouse emissions in 2023, a figure consistent with trends since 1990. The country does not, however, target individual gases for reduction.

A deeper dive reveals that a staggering 93% of these carbon emissions stem from combusting fossil fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas. The remainder is primarily from industrial activities like steel and cement production. A transition away from fossil fuels is crucial for substantial emission reduction.

Major Contributors to Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Sector

The transportation sector leads in carbon emissions, contributing 39%, followed by the electricity sector at 31%. Concerns persist over policies that could favor fossil fuel use over renewable options, potentially reversing gains made in transitioning sectors, as indicated by Peter Zalzal.

Although transportation topped emissions in 2023, this wasn't always the case. Historically, in 1990 and 2005, electricity generation was the largest source. However, by 2023, emissions from this sector diminished to form only a quarter of total emissions.

Since 1990, renewable energy's rise has led to nearly a 23% drop in emissions from electricity production.

Current U.S. Electricity Generation Landscape

America's energy needs have increasingly leaned towards clean sources in recent decades, moving away from traditional fossil fuels.

In the 1990s, coal was the dominant source for over half of America's electricity. Fast forward to 2023, and coal's share has shrunk to 17%, with natural gas climbing to 42%. Additionally, wind and solar, once negligible at 0.1% in 1990, now produce about 14% of the nation's electricity.

Zalzal voices concerns about potential policy reversals undermining investments in clean energy, risking setbacks in progress.