Greenhouse Gas Emissions

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From 2018 to 2019, GHG emissions fell 2%.

Favorable movement since the last available data

Benchmark: Greenhouse gas emissions will fall 45% below 1990 levels by 2030.

Overview Fig. A

Overview

From 2018-2019, Maine’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions fell 2%, from 16.8 to 16.4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. In 2019, emissions were 23% below 1990 levels, meaning Maine is continuing to progress toward its 2030 goal. Emissions are calculated biennially by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); more recent data will become available in 2024.

In 2003, Maine became the first U.S. state to enact a statutory target for GHG emissions, which it met when emissions fell to 10% below 1990 levels in 2012. In 2019, further legislation set the goal of reducing emissions 45% below 1990 levels by 2030 and 80% by 2050.

According to DEP, about 91% of Maine’s emissions are from energy consumption, mostly from the combustion of petroleum products. The other 9% is from agriculture, industrial processes, and waste management. Movement toward renewable energy sources and lower carbon fuels such as natural gas have contributed to reduced emissions.

 

Fig. A

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Maine Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Maine Department of Environmental Protection