Data Source: California Air Resources Board, California Greenhouse Gas Inventory - by Sector and Activity; U.S. Energy Information Administration, Analysis by Beacon Economics
Highlights
- In 2021, GHG emissions across all sub-sectors within the transportation sector were 10.2 percent (-16.6 MMTCO2e) lower compared to 2019 emissions (162.3 MMTCO2e). Within the transportation sector, on-road vehicles emissions were 10.2 percent (-15.4 MMTCO2e) lower in 2021 than 2019. Within the on-road vehicles sub-sector, the passenger vehicles sub-sector had the largest decline of 10.4 percent (-12.1 MMTCO2e) from 2019 levels, followed by the heavy-duty vehicles sub-sector which declined by 9.5 percent (-3.3 MMTCO2e). The aviation, rail and ships sub-sector fell by 8.7 percent (-0.8 MMTCO2e), and the off-road and unspecified sector decreased by 23.4 percent (-0.4 MMTCO2e) compared to 2019.
- As a share of total emissions, the transportation sector was 38.2 percent in 2021, up by 1.4 percent from 36.8 percent in 2020. The sector’s GHG emissions totaled 145.64 MMTCO2e in 2021, up 7.4 percent (+10.0 MMTCO2e) from 2020. Within the transportation sector, on-road vehicles GHG emissions increased by 7.5 percent (+9.5 MMTCO2e) from 2020. The majority of the rise in GHG emissions from the transportation sector can be attributed to the passenger vehicles sector, which experienced a 10.6 percent increase (+10.0 MMTCO2e) from 2020. Furthermore, emissions of greenhouse gases from the aviation, rail and ships sub-sector saw a 7.2 percent increase (+0.6 MMTCO2e) from 2020. The upsurge in GHG emissions within the transportation sector is likely attributed to the easing of travel restrictions that ensued after the peak of the pandemic in 2020. Even though the off-road sector13 emitted only 1.9 MMTCO2e GHG in 2021, it is 27 percent (-0.7 MMTCO2e) lower than 2019 levels, and remained unchanged from 2020.
- Heavy-duty diesel non-biogenic14 emissions decreased in both 2020 (-3.7% or -1.0 MMTCO2e from 2019) and 2021 (-4.8% or -1.2 MMTCO2e from 2020). The 2021 emissions were 8.3 percent (-2.2 MMTCO2e) lower than the 2019 level. This reduction could be attributed to various factors such as improved technologies, more efficient fuel usage, or regulations aimed at reducing emissions from heavy-duty diesel vehicles. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is actively addressing heavy-duty vehicle pollution to reduce smog-forming oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and toxic diesel particulate matter (PM) emissions. CARB aims to meet California's air quality standards and greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals, with a focus on achieving 100% zero-emission transportation by 2035 for off-road transport refrigeration units (TRUs) and drayage vehicles, and 2045 for all other heavy-duty vehicles.15
13 Off-road vehicles include airport ground support equipment, construction and mining equipment, industrial equipment, and oil drilling equipment.
14 “Biogenic vs Non-Biogenic Carbon: What’s the Difference?” Envirotech Online. October 21, 2021. Available at: https://www.envirotech-online.com/news/air-monitoring/6/breaking-news/biogenic-vs-non-biogenic-carbon-whats-the-difference/56583
15 The California Air Resources Board (CARB). New California requirements for heavy-duty vehicles and TRUs. Available at: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/new-california-requirements-heavy-duty-vehicles-and-trus
Opportunity
- GHG emissions from the heavy-duty vehicles sub-sector continued to decline in 2021. After a reduction of 8.0 percent (-2.8 MMTCO2e) in 2020 compared to 2019, there was a further decrease of 1.6 percent (-0.5 MMTCO2e) in 2021 compared to 2020. Remarkably, heavy-duty vehicles GHG emissions have consistently decreased every year since 2018. In comparison to the 2018 GHG emission level, emissions from heavy-duty vehicles sub-sector have been cut by 14.1 percent (-5.2 MMTCO2e) by 2021. Conversely, the off-road16 and unspecified sector remained unchanged from 2020.
16 Off-road vehicles include airport ground support equipment, construction and mining equipment, industrial equipment, and oil drilling equipment.
More About
Carbon Economy
Related Content