Emissions of carbon dioxide, a primary greenhouse gas, from motor vehicles have been rising steadily in recent years, with a significant jump from 2002 to 2003. Overall, New Jersey motorists emit more than 85 billion pounds of carbon dioxide annually, up 16.5 percent from 1997 levels. This growth mirrors the growth in New Jersey gasoline consumption (page 30), because carbon dioxide emissions are directly proportionate.
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Source: FHWA, Highway Statistics Series, Tables PS-1 and MF-33GA, 1997-2004 and US EPA, Emission Facts: Average Carbon Dioxide Emissions Resulting from Gasoline and Diesel Fuel, 2005. Note: Because CO2 emissions are derived by multiplying gasoline consumption by 19.4 pounds, this trend follows the trend in gas consumption. |
According to “The Carbon Boom,” a recent report from NJPIRG, the transportation sector is responsible for 54 percent of New Jersey's total carbon dioxide emissions (compared to 28 percent nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation).
Per capita carbon dioxide emissions have also grown steadily during this period, rising almost 8 percent from 1997 to 2004. As of 2004, annual carbon dioxide emissions per resident came to 9,800 pounds.