Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) (2024)

The major greenhouse gases emitted by the United States as a result of human activity, and their approximate percentage share of U.S. total gross greenhouse gas emissions of 6,343 million metric tons (based on global warming potential), in 2022, were:1

  • Carbon dioxide (CO2)—80%
  • Methane (CH4)—11%
  • Nitrous oxide (N2O)—6%
  • Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)—3%
  • Perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and nitrogen triflouride (NF3) combined—0.2%

There are other greenhouse gases that are not counted in United States or international greenhouse gas inventories:

  • Water vapor is the most abundant greenhouse gas. Most scientists believe that water vapor produced directly by human activity contributes very little to the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) does not estimate emissions of water vapor. According to the U.S. Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), increased water vapor in the atmosphere doesn’t cause global warming, but it amplifies the global warming caused by other greenhouse gases..
  • Ozone is technically a greenhouse gas because it has an effect on global temperature. However, at higher elevations in the atmosphere (stratosphere), where it occurs naturally, ozone is needed to block harmful ultraviolet light. At lower elevations of the atmosphere (troposphere), ozone is harmful to human health and is a pollutant regulated independently of its warming effects.

Greenhouse gases are transparent to incoming (short-wave) radiation from the sun but block infrared (long-wave) radiation from leaving the earth's atmosphere. This greenhouse effect traps radiation from the sun and warms the planet's surface. As concentrations of these gases increase, more warming occurs than would happen naturally.

1 Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2022, April 2024

Learn more:
Energy and the Environment—Greenhouse Gases
Most recent monthly and annual estimates for U.S. carbon dioxide emissions from energy consumption by energy source and sector

Last updated: May 2, 2024.


Other FAQs about Environment

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) (2024)

FAQs

Is the US Energy Information Administration reliable? ›

EIA is the Nation's premier source of energy information and, by law, its data, analyses, and forecasts are independent of approval by any other officer or employee of the United States Government.

Is the US Energy Information Administration a government agency? ›

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) is the statistical agency of the Department of Energy. It provides policy-independent data, forecasts, and analyses to promote sound policy making, efficient markets, and public understanding regarding energy, and its interaction with the economy and the environment.

Is EIA under Department of Energy? ›

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) is the statistical and analytical agency within the U.S. Department of Energy.

What does EIA stand for in energy? ›

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) collects, analyzes, and disseminates independent and impartial energy information to promote sound policymaking, efficient markets, and public understanding of energy and its interaction with the economy and the environment.

Who funds the US Energy Information Administration? ›

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) receives funding through an annual appropriation from Congress. EIA's budget falls under the authority of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Energy and Water Development.

Who runs the US Energy Information Administration? ›

Energy Information Administration
Agency overview
HeadquartersWashington, D.C. United States
Annual budget$126.8 million (FY2021)
Agency executivesJoseph DeCarolis, Administrator Stephen Nalley, Deputy Administrator
Parent agencyUnited States Department of Energy
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How does the EIA gather data? ›

EIA collects information about electric power plants through two annual surveys (Form EIA-860, Annual Electric Generator Report, and Form EIA-923, Power Plant Operations Report) that have monthly supplements. Data for the supplements are collected from a subset of power plants.

Who is the head of the Energy Information Administration? ›

Joseph DeCarolis - Administrator of the Energy Information Administration (EIA) - U.S. Energy Information Administration | LinkedIn.

What is the summary of EIA? ›

Simply defined, EIA is a systematic process to identify, predict and evaluate the environmental effects of proposed actions and projects. This process is applied prior to major decisions and commitments being made. A broad definition of environment is adopted.

What is the difference between EIA and FERC? ›

The EIA is the independent statistical and analytical agency within the DOE. The FERC is an independent regulatory commission within the DOE which has jurisdiction primarily in the regulation of electric utilities and the interstate natural gas industry.

What are the renewable energy credits for EIA? ›

The federal tax incentives, or credits, for qualifying renewable energy projects and equipment include the Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC), the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), the Residential Energy Credit, and the Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS).

What energy source does the US use the most? ›

Energy Sources in the United States

Petroleum (crude oil and natural gas plant liquids): 28% Coal: 17.8% Renewable energy: 12.7% Nuclear electric power: 9.6%"

Is the EIA peer reviewed? ›

EIA Review aims to publish only pieces that are innovative, topical and coherent. Submissions to the journal are judged on these criteria by the editor, in consultation with a policy committee, an advisory board and other independent experts. All articles go through a blind peer–review prior to acceptance.

Is the US energy secure Why or why not? ›

The country's energy security is bolstered by large domestic oil reserves and relatively low per-capita energy use, according to the report. The United States ranks seventh, with a risk score slightly better than the average member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Is the US Department of Energy a government agency? ›

The Department of Energy Organization Act of 1977 created one of the most interesting and diverse agencies in the Federal government.

What is the US Energy Security risk Index? ›

The Index of U.S. Energy Security Risk: Assessing America's Vulnerabilities in a Global Energy Market is an annual energy risk indicator, which uses quantifiable data, historical trend information, and government projections to identify the policies and other factors that contribute positively or negatively to U.S. ...

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