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U.S. Emissions Rose 2.4% in 2025 as Data Centers and a Cold Winter Drove Energy Use Higher

Rhodium Group links the uptick to surging heating needs alongside a coal‑tilted grid driven by higher natural gas prices.

Overview

  • Building fuel use jumped 6.8% as colder weather increased demand for heating, reversing recent declines in that sector.
  • Power‑sector emissions rose 3.8% as rapid growth in electricity use from data centers and cryptocurrency mining coincided with pricier gas that lifted coal generation about 13%.
  • Total U.S. greenhouse gases reached roughly 5.9 billion tons of CO2‑equivalent, about 139 million tons more than 2024, outpacing real GDP growth of 1.9%.
  • Solar generation surged about 34% and zero‑emitting sources supplied a record near 42% of U.S. power, while transportation emissions were roughly flat despite record travel.
  • Researchers said recent federal rollbacks had little measurable effect on 2025 totals but could weigh on future reductions, and reduced federal data collection may complicate tracking.