U.S. carbon dioxide emissions in first quarter of 2012 lowest since 1992

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), energy-related carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions during the first quarter (Jan to Mar) of 2012 were the lowest since 1992 for this period. The EIA says that CO₂ emissions in Q1 2012 were low because of a mild winter, the continuing decline in coal-fired generation and reduced gasoline demand. Energy-related CO₂ emissions totaled 1,340 million metric tons during the first quarter of 2012.   CO₂ emissions from coal were down to 387 million metric tons in Q1 2012, the lowest first quarter CO₂ emissions from coal since 1983. About 90% of the energy-related CO₂ emissions from coal come from electric power generation and utilities are burning more natural gas and less coal for electricity generation.  Burning natural gas produces about 50% less CO₂ per kWh than coal according to the EPA.

In its Annual Energy Outlook for 2012 the EIA has projected energy-related CO₂ emissions in 2020 to be more than 9 % below the 2005 level, and even in 2035 4% less than 2005.  Emissions per capita are projected to fall by about 1.0 % per year from 2005 to 2035.  Natural gas replacing coal, more renewable fuels, energy efficiency improvements, and slow growth in electricity demand are the primary factors leading to reduced emissions.  It should be noted that the EIA projection assumes no new regulations or legislation to limit CO₂ emissions.