CO2 Emissions
Because we realize the impact vehicles have on the environment with greenhouse gases and other air pollutants, Ward products support corporate and government environmental initiatives and mandates. Working closely with fleet managers, we create customized solutions that monitor and help reduce environmental impact.
How much carbon dioxide is produced from a gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel combustion?
- About 19.64 pounds of CO2 are produced from burning a gallon of gasoline that does not contain ethanol (E10).
- About 22.38 pounds of CO2 are produced from burning a gallon of diesel fuel.
- Nationally, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuel combustion represented the largest source (76%) of total GWP–weighted emissions from all emission sources in 2018 (EPA 2020). Similarly, (CO2) emissions from fossil fuel combustion are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions.
How much carbon dioxide is produced from U.S. gasoline and diesel fuel consumption?
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that in 2020, U.S. motor gasoline and diesel (distillate) fuel consumption in the U.S. transportation sector resulted in the emission of about 941 million metric tons (MMmt) of carbon dioxide (CO2) and 432 MMmt of CO2, respectively, for a total of 1,373 MMmt of CO2.
This total was equal to about 84% of total U.S. transportation sector CO2 emissions and to about 30% of total U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions in 2020.
Under international agreement, CO2 emissions from the combustion of biomass or biofuels are not included in national greenhouse gas emissions inventories.2 Therefore, estimates for the CO2 emissions that result from consumption (combustion) of biofuels are not included in EIA’s estimates of U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions.
Fuel View At-A-Glance Emissions Tracking