2017 greenhouse gas data

We compile an annual greenhouse gas emissions inventory that estimates the combined emissions from all sources in Washington. This estimate is based on data from the Washington Department of Commerce, EPA, and the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

A bar chart showing Washington's annual greenhouse gas emissions between 2011 and 2017, showing emissions growing slowly, with small declines in 2014 and 2017.

Greenhouse gas emissions in Washington were nearly flat from 2016 to 2017, falling by 116,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to 97.5 million tons.

Below, you can learn more about where these emissions came from.

Sources of Washington greenhouse gases in 2017

pie chart showing heating is 24.7%, electricity 16.7%, transportation 44.6% and other 15% of Washington's 2017 greenhouse gas emissions

Transportation was the largest category of greenhouse gas emissions in Washington during 2017. This category includes emissions from on-road gasoline and diesel vehicles, marine vessels, jet fuel and aviation gasoline, railroads, and natural gas used in transportation. Emissions from on-road gasoline — personal cars and trucks — contributes over half of total emissions in this category.

• 44.6% of total Washington emissions
• 43.5067 million metric tons of emissions

Learn more about how we’re helping reduce greenhouse gases from transportation.

Emissions in this sector come from burning fuels to heat homes and workplaces, and the heat needed for industrial processes. This category includes power generated from coal, natural gas, oil, and wood.

• 23.7% of total Washington emissions
• 23.106 million metric tons of emissions

Learn more about how we’re helping reduce ghg from residential, commercial, and industrial heating.

Worldwide, electricity generation is the largest source of carbon emissions, but the category comes in third in Washington. This category includes emissions from power generated from coal, natural gas, petroleum, and biomass and waste.

• 16.7% of total Washington emissions
• 16.2376 million metric tons of emissions

Learn more about how we’re helping reduce greenhouse gase from electricity generation.

Agriculture — 6.484 million metric tons

Agricultural activities such as manure management, fertilizer use, and livestock digestion (enteric fermentation) result in methane and nitrous oxide emissions, which are measured in this category.

• 6.7% of total Washington emissions
• 6.484 million metric tons of emissions

Industrial processes — 4.9179 million metric tons

This sector includes greenhouse gas emissions from industry-specific processes such as aluminum or cement manufacturing, or fugitive emissions such as sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) released from electric power transmission and distribution systems.

• 5% of total Washington emissions
• 4.9179 million metric tons of emissions

Learn more about how we’re helping reduce greenhouse gases from industrial processes.

Waste management — 2.363 million metric tons

This sector includes greenhouse gas emissions from landfills and wastewater treatment facilities.

• 2.4% of total Washington emissions
• 2.363 million metric tons of emissions

Learn more about how we’re helping reduce greenhouse gases from waste management.

Natural gas distribution — 0.843 million metric tons

This sector includes fugitive greenhouse gas emissions that are released during the production, processing, and distribution of fossil fuels. These emissions are typically fugitive methane due to leakage and venting from natural gas pipelines, and petroleum systems.

• 0.9% of total Washington emissions
• 0.843 million metric tons of emissions

Is Washington making progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions?

chart showing population, economic, and greenhouse gas changes between 2001-2017 — View the text version of this image.

Washington's greenhouse gas emissions fell sharply following the 2008 recession, then began growing slowly again in 2012, albeit with dips in emissions in 2014 and 2017. The good news is that the growth in emissions has significantly lagged economic and population growth in Washington, showing that the state's economy is much more efficient, in greenhouse gas terms, than it was in the past. In 2017, for instance, Washington had the strongest economic growth in the nation, but emissions declined slightly.

Signs of progress

Emissions from electricity production were down in both 2016 and 2017, with sharp increases in the amount of renewable energy driving that trend. Some of this switch to renewables is attributable to Washington's Energy Independence Act, which requires state utilities to get 15 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020. Future reductions in emissions will be driven by the 2019 Clean Energy Transformation Act, which requires utilities to stop using coal power by 2025, be greenhouse gas neutral by 2030, and use only non-emitting sources of electricity by 2045.

Reasons for concern

Emissions from shipping and transportation are up, due to increases in aviation, marine shipping, and diesel truck traffic. Emissions from home, business, and industrial heating are also up. With Washington's growing population and strong economy, reducing emissions in these areas will require new approaches.

Learn more about how Washington is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Contact information

Andrew Wineke
Air Quality Program
andrew.wineke@ecy.wa.gov
360-407-6932

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