Emissions of key air pollutants in the United States have fallen considerably over the past three decades. Emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) have experienced the greatest reductions, dropping 93 percent between 1990 and 2023. Annual carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions have also fallen dramatically during this period.
Percent change in air pollutant emissions in the United States from 1990 to 2023, by key pollutant
* A change in methodology for onroad mobile emission sources in 2021 led to increased emission rates for ammonia from 2021 onwards.
Wildfire emissions excluded for all pollutants except for NH₃ pre-2002; PM emissions also exclude miscellaneous emissions (i.e. agricultural dust and prescribed fire emissions).
Figures were calculated by Statista according to the data provided by the source.
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Statista. (February 9, 2024). Percent change in air pollutant emissions in the United States from 1990 to 2023, by key pollutant [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved November 10, 2024, from https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/1225626/air-pollutant-emissions-reductions-us-by-type/
Statista. "Percent change in air pollutant emissions in the United States from 1990 to 2023, by key pollutant." Chart. February 9, 2024. Statista. Accessed November 10, 2024. https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/1225626/air-pollutant-emissions-reductions-us-by-type/
Statista. (2024). Percent change in air pollutant emissions in the United States from 1990 to 2023, by key pollutant. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: November 10, 2024. https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/1225626/air-pollutant-emissions-reductions-us-by-type/
Statista. "Percent Change in Air Pollutant Emissions in The United States from 1990 to 2023, by Key Pollutant." Statista, Statista Inc., 9 Feb 2024, https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/1225626/air-pollutant-emissions-reductions-us-by-type/
Statista, Percent change in air pollutant emissions in the United States from 1990 to 2023, by key pollutant Statista, https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/1225626/air-pollutant-emissions-reductions-us-by-type/ (last visited November 10, 2024)
Percent change in air pollutant emissions in the United States from 1990 to 2023, by key pollutant [Graph], Statista, February 9, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www-statista-com.ezproxy.canberra.edu.au/statistics/1225626/air-pollutant-emissions-reductions-us-by-type/
