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CO2 emissions in the US rose by 2% in 2013

According to preliminary data released by the US EIA, energy-related CO2 emissions in 2013 were 2% up compared to 2012 level. Coal consumption in the power sector increased slightly, as coal has regained some market share from gas.

CO2 emissions in 2013 are around 10% below their 2005 level; the emission reduction target by 2020 is a 17% drop from the 2005 level.

From 2005 to 2013, the key energy-economic drivers of a changing US energy landscape included:

- Weak economic growth in recent years, dampening growth in energy demand compared to pre-recession expectations

- Continuously improving energy efficiency across the economy, including buildings and transportation

- High energy prices over the past four years, with the exception of natural gas, since about 2010

- An abundant and inexpensive supply of natural gas, resulting from the widespread use of new production technologies for shale gas

- Power sector decarbonization since 2010, as natural gas and renewables displaced coal