Transportation's Role in Reducing U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions ...

Transportation's Role in Reducing U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Volume 1
sector accounting for 33 percent of global transportation CO 2 emissions. Overall,
direct emissions from the U.S. transportation sector represent about 7 percent of
global CO 2 emissions. 34 GHG emission reduction solutions developed for the
U.S. transportation sector could have a significant, direct impact on global GHG
emissions. Furthermore, these solutions could also be applied globally to reduce
transportation emissions in other countries as well.
As shown in Figure 2.3 and Table 2.1, direct emissions from light-duty vehicles,
which include passenger cars and light duty trucks (e.g., sport utility vehicles,
pickup trucks, and minivans) accounted for 59 percent of U.S. transportation
GHG emissions in 2006. Emissions from freight trucks accounted for 19 percent
of emissions. Commercial aircraft (domestic and international) accounted for
12 percent. All other modes accounted for less than 10 percent of total emissions.
Overall, on-road vehicles accounted for 79 percent of emissions.
Figure 2.3
U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Transportation Mode
2006
Marine - Domestic
2.3%
Rail
2.8%
Aircraft - International
3.4%
Aircraft - Domestic
8.2%
Marine - International
2.7%
Pipelines
1.5%
Lubricants
0.5%
Freight Trucks
19.2%
Motorcycles
0.1%
Buses
0.6%
Light Duty Vehicles
(Passenger Cars,
SUVs, and Pickups)
58.7%
Source: U.S. EPA (2008). Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990 to 2006, pages
3-9, 3-30, 3-31.
34 When including bunkers 2000 EDGAR data show 6.48 percent, 2000 IEA data show 7.89
percent, 2006 IEA data show 6.95 percent. When not including bunkers 2000 EDGAR
data show 6.19 percent, 2000 IEA data show 7.27 percent, and 2006 IEA data show 6.46
percent.
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