Source: (1) U.S. Energy Information Administration. 2023. “Energy-Related CO2 Emissions.” Available at: https://www.eia.gov/environment/emissions/state/; (2) U.S. Census Bureau. 2022. American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates [Table S0101]. Available at:https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST1Y2022.S0101?q=population&g=010XX00US$0400000&moe=false
Within the United States, the energy sector produces the majority of greenhouse gas emissions, with fossil fuel combustion for energy accounting for 73 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions in 2021. Energy-related emissions vary by state, but on a per capita basis, all but seven states produce less than ten metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT of CO2e) per capita. Nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide emissions (which are produced by fossil fuel-fired power plants and other sources) can undergo chemical reactions in the atmosphere creating pollutants such as PM2.5, which can then travel across state lines. This means residents in states that have lower levels of emissions may still face adverse environmental and health impacts from other states’ pollution. North Dakota, Wyoming, and West Virginia have the highest energy-related emissions, with each state producing more than 33 MT of CO2e per capita, which can potentially effect neighboring states.
One way to reduce emissions and improve health outcomes is to develop a greener grid nationwide with renewable generation. In 2022, the United States had over 11,400 operable solar, wind, and hydro units totaling 317 GW of electric capacity. As of August 2023, there were an additional 1,106 proposed solar, wind, and hydro projects planned for operation in the next ten years. The addition of these projects to the grid will help reduce the amount of electricity demand met with fossil fuel generation thereby reducing energy-related emissions. While renewable generation is crucial to reducing energy-related emissions, only 24 new projects are proposed in the states that have over 20 MT of CO2e per capita. With a goal of net zero emissions by 2050, the United States will need to reduce energy-related emissions in every state, with increased renewable energy deployment playing a critical role. High initial capital costs are one of largest barriers to the development of renewable energy. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides a way to reduce this barrier with new incentives for renewable generation. While the IRA helps to make renewable projects economically feasible, if developers in high emissions states do not take advantage of these offers, the deployment of renewable energy facilities may be insufficient to achieve targeted emissions reductions.
