US Greenhouse Gas Emissions Rise Amid Cold Winter and Energy Demands
Published 13 January 2026
Highlights
- US greenhouse gas emissions rose by 2.4% in 2025, reversing a three-year decline, due to increased energy demands from data centers and cryptocurrency mining.
- A cold winter led to a 7% rise in fossil fuel consumption for heating, contributing to the emissions increase.
- Coal use surged by 13% as high natural gas prices made coal a more attractive energy source.
- Solar power generation grew by 34%, marking the fastest increase since 2017, despite the overall rise in emissions.
- Environmental policy changes under the Trump administration had minimal impact on 2025 emissions but may influence future trends.
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Rewritten Article
US Greenhouse Gas Emissions Rise Amid Cold Winter and Energy Demands
In a significant shift from recent trends, US greenhouse gas emissions increased by 2.4% in 2025, driven by a cold winter and rising energy demands from data centers and cryptocurrency mining. This marks the first rise in emissions after three consecutive years of decline, according to a new analysis by the Rhodium Group.
Cold Weather and Energy Consumption
The early months of 2025 saw a harsh winter across much of the United States, leading to a 7% increase in fossil fuel consumption for heating. Homes and businesses relied heavily on natural gas and fuel oil, both significant sources of greenhouse gases. This spike in energy use was compounded by the growing power needs of data centers and cryptocurrency operations, particularly in regions like Texas and the Ohio Valley.
Coal's Temporary Resurgence
The surge in energy demand, coupled with high natural gas prices, resulted in a 13% increase in coal usage. This marks only the second rise in coal power generation in the last decade, as coal had been largely phased out due to cheaper natural gas. "Higher natural gas prices mean coal is now economically viable again," explained Jesse Lee from Climate Power, an environmental advocacy group.
Despite this, the overall trend in the US has been towards cleaner energy. Since 2007, coal power generation has decreased by 64%, and last year's increase is seen as a temporary response to specific market conditions.
Renewable Energy Growth
On a more positive note, solar power generation in the US grew by 34% in 2025, the fastest rate since 2017. This growth pushed solar power past hydroelectric power, with zero-carbon energy sources now supplying 42% of the nation's electricity. "The economic case for renewables remains strong," noted Ben King, a director at Rhodium's energy group.
Policy Implications
The Trump administration's environmental policy rollbacks, which began in 2025, have not yet significantly impacted emissions. However, experts warn that these changes could become more apparent in the coming years. "It's one year of data so far," King said. "We need to see the extent to which this trend sustains."
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Scenario Analysis
Looking ahead, the trajectory of US greenhouse gas emissions will likely depend on several factors, including energy market dynamics and policy decisions. If natural gas prices remain high, coal could continue to see temporary gains, although the long-term trend favors renewables. The impact of the Trump administration's environmental policies will also become clearer over time, potentially affecting the pace of emissions reductions.
The growth in renewable energy, particularly solar power, suggests a strong economic case for cleaner energy sources. However, the end of federal subsidies for solar and wind could challenge this momentum. As the US navigates these complex dynamics, the balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability will remain a critical issue.
In a significant shift from recent trends, US greenhouse gas emissions increased by 2.4% in 2025, driven by a cold winter and rising energy demands from data centers and cryptocurrency mining. This marks the first rise in emissions after three consecutive years of decline, according to a new analysis by the Rhodium Group.
Cold Weather and Energy Consumption
The early months of 2025 saw a harsh winter across much of the United States, leading to a 7% increase in fossil fuel consumption for heating. Homes and businesses relied heavily on natural gas and fuel oil, both significant sources of greenhouse gases. This spike in energy use was compounded by the growing power needs of data centers and cryptocurrency operations, particularly in regions like Texas and the Ohio Valley.
Coal's Temporary Resurgence
The surge in energy demand, coupled with high natural gas prices, resulted in a 13% increase in coal usage. This marks only the second rise in coal power generation in the last decade, as coal had been largely phased out due to cheaper natural gas. "Higher natural gas prices mean coal is now economically viable again," explained Jesse Lee from Climate Power, an environmental advocacy group.
Despite this, the overall trend in the US has been towards cleaner energy. Since 2007, coal power generation has decreased by 64%, and last year's increase is seen as a temporary response to specific market conditions.
Renewable Energy Growth
On a more positive note, solar power generation in the US grew by 34% in 2025, the fastest rate since 2017. This growth pushed solar power past hydroelectric power, with zero-carbon energy sources now supplying 42% of the nation's electricity. "The economic case for renewables remains strong," noted Ben King, a director at Rhodium's energy group.
Policy Implications
The Trump administration's environmental policy rollbacks, which began in 2025, have not yet significantly impacted emissions. However, experts warn that these changes could become more apparent in the coming years. "It's one year of data so far," King said. "We need to see the extent to which this trend sustains."
What this might mean
Looking ahead, the trajectory of US greenhouse gas emissions will likely depend on several factors, including energy market dynamics and policy decisions. If natural gas prices remain high, coal could continue to see temporary gains, although the long-term trend favors renewables. The impact of the Trump administration's environmental policies will also become clearer over time, potentially affecting the pace of emissions reductions.
The growth in renewable energy, particularly solar power, suggests a strong economic case for cleaner energy sources. However, the end of federal subsidies for solar and wind could challenge this momentum. As the US navigates these complex dynamics, the balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability will remain a critical issue.
