New Analysis: Massachusetts among leading states in reducing greenhouse gas emissions

BOSTON – Massachusetts was ahead of the national pace in reducing emissions of planet-warming greenhouse gases between 2005 and 2022, according to a new report released on Wednesday by Environment America Research and Policy Center, U.S. PIRG Education Fund and Frontier Group. Nationally, the United States reduced its overall greenhouse gas emissions by 15% and its per capita emissions by 25%. According to the report, emissions trends varied widely from state to state.

The United States has made a commitment to reduce emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030, which means even leading states will have to step up their emission reduction efforts, particularly given new uncertainty about federal leadership on climate.

This analysis comes as talks of passing a climate bill continue in the Massachusetts state legislature.

“Our reduced emissions show that policies and actions can make a difference. Retiring coal plants, building out clean energy and making cars that pollute less all helped reduce dangerous greenhouse gas emissions in Massachusetts over the past 17 years,” said Reese Butcher, associate with Environment Massachusetts Research & Policy Center. “Thanks to the growth of renewable energy such as solar and wind, we can choose to keep the lights on without burning dirty fossil fuels.”

According to the analysis of data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), many of the states that saw the most significant emissions reductions were those that cut emissions from the power sector, particularly by retiring coal plants. 

Massachusetts is a leading example. The Bay State has reduced its emissions by decreasing the number of coal plants and petroleum-powered plants, cutting emissions in the electric power sector by 68% between 2005 and 2022. 

In 2022, greenhouse gas emissions were 9.5 MMT of carbon dioxide equivalent in Massachusetts, the lowest of any state in the United States. However, emissions in the commercial sector went up by 21% and despite a 17% decrease, the transportation sector is still the greatest contributor to the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.

“Millions of Bay Staters are benefiting from reduced climate and air pollution as we move away from coal. Now more than ever, we need to accelerate the transition to 100% clean energy to ensure the health and security of the climate for future generations,” said Butcher. “Reducing emissions from transportation should be a priority for the state going forward. We need more electric vehicles on the road, including the electrification of public transit.”

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Environment Massachusetts Research & Policy Center is dedicated to protecting our air, water and open spaces. We work to protect the places we love, advance the environmental values we share, and win real results for our environment. For more information, visit www.environmentmassachusettscenter.org.