20 Years of U.S. Transport Emissions in One Graphic

What we’re showing: This graphic uses data from the Bureau of Transportation statistics to show how U.S. freight transport emissions have changed over the last twenty years. 

Key takeaways

• Overall emissions from U.S. freight transport grew 17% between 2002 and 2022. 
• While all other transport modes have increased emissions, U.S. rail freight decreased emissions by 23%.

Footnotes: Figures are rounded to the nearest whole number.

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 2024