Jan. 13 (UPI) — For the first time in three years annual U.S. greenhouse gas emissions increased, climbing by 2.4% in 2025 as federal policy shifted back to fossil fuels.
The main driver of increasing emissions was the energy consumption of buildings and the power sector, Rhodium Group, an independent research firm, published in its preliminary greenhouse gas emissions estimates for 2025 on Tuesday.
Economic growth is typically another driver in emissions, Rhodium Group writes. Inflation-adjusted gross domestic product grew by 1.9%, marking a 30% decline through the three years prior, meaning emissions grew faster than the economy.
A colder winter and higher natural gas prices drove the demand for coal-based electricity. The energy sector emitted 3.8% more greenhouse gases while emissions from heating buildings grew by 6.8%.
Natural gas prices were up by 58% in 2025 after growing by a much slower rate in 2024. The retirement of coal plants also slowed as demand for coal grew, due to the Trump administration’s new energy policies.
Solar energy continues to be the fastest growing energy source, growing by 34%.
While energy and space heating drove the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, transportation remains the biggest contributor. Emissions from transportation grew by 0.1% over 2024, driven by record road travel and increases in diesel and jet fuel emissions. The use of diesel and jet fuel outpaced the emissions reductions from the proliferation of more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Greenhouse gas emissions remain below pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, emissions were 6% higher.
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