In less than a decade, fracking and other new drilling techniques have turned the United States into the largest producer of oil and gas in the world. Historically a fossil fuel importer, the U.S. is on the cusp of becoming a net fossil fuel exporter. This surge of oil and gas production has led to a significant rise in greenhouse gases from the oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors.
This report examines the growth of greenhouse gas emissions from three sectors: petroleum and natural gas systems, chemical manufacturing, and refineries, based on data reported to the EPA from existing sources, the Department of Energy’s estimate of future oil and gas production, and from permits that authorize increased emissions from proposed oil, gas, and chemical projects.
For a database listing all of the projects by state and their emissions, click here.
