What is the EPA Emissions Inventory?

The EPA Emissions Inventory is an annual report that tracks greenhouse gas emissions and sinks in the United States. It helps scientists, policymakers, and industries better understand where emissions come from and how they change over time.

Three of the primary greenhouse gases included in the inventory are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). These gases are often compared using a measurement called Global Warming Potential (GWP100), which estimates how much heat a gas traps in the atmosphere over 100 years compared to carbon dioxide.

Researchers use this information to better understand which emissions have the greatest impact and where mitigation strategies may be most effective as industries work toward net zero goals.