PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release – February 21, 2025
Contact:
Stephanie Brackin, Communications Director
Agency of Natural Resources
stephanie.brackin@vermont.gov, 802-261-0606
Preliminary Emissions Data for 2024 Show Little Change from 2023 Levels
Montpelier, VT – Earlier this month, statewide fuel sales data for the transportation and thermal (heating) sectors for calendar year 2024 were compiled by the Agency of Natural Resources’ Climate Action Office. Specifically, data from the Gasoline and Diesel Gallons Taxed Report from the Joint Fiscal Office and the Fuel Gross Receipts Report for propane, fuel oil, and kerosene from the Department of Taxes became available.
Reported fossil fuel sales volume decreased in the thermal sector in 2024 compared to 2023; data regarding sales of natural gas in 2024 has not yet been reported. Sales of gasoline and diesel fuel for transportation increased. Taken together, preliminary analysis indicates no significant change in the combined year-over-year greenhouse gas emissions from these two sectors.
The reports show that compared to 2023, liquid heating fuel (fuel oil and kerosene) sales decreased by 5.3 million gallons (4.8%). Propane sales increased by 3.6 million gallons (3.3%). Gasoline sales increased by 2.7 million gallons (0.9%) and diesel sales increased by 1.3 million gallons (2.1%).
Pulling back, although trend analysis is complicated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are signs of real progress. Sales of gasoline are now approximately 26 million gallons (8%) lower than they were in 2019, and diesel sales are 2.5 million gallons (nearly 4%) lower. Sales of liquid heating fuels (primarily fuel oil and kerosene) have decreased every year since 2019 and were 38.2 million gallons (27%) lower in 2024 than in 2019. Propane sales volumes have varied since 2019 with 2024 sales just over the 2019 volume. 2024 for natural gas sales volume will be incorporated into this analysis when available. Heating degree days have been trending lower for the past six years which decreases demand for heat, but there are indications that fuel use is decreasing more quickly than the decrease in heating degree days would suggest.
Vermont taxpayers have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in reducing emissions over the past five years and many forces impact the success of decarbonization efforts, including upfront costs, Vermonters’ readiness, and workforce and supply-chain constraints. We know the investments that are being made are integral to our ability to drive long-term reductions in Vermont’s greenhouse gas emissions. The preliminary data for 2024 offer an important reminder about why it is critical to track annual fossil fuel usage, as well as the value of being able to look at this data over time.
While the preliminary emissions estimates for 2024 from the transportation and thermal sectors indicate that the economy-wide January 1, 2025 Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) requirement may not be met, the multi-year trends offer important context in helping identify areas of success as well as continued challenges. Officially, compliance with the requirements of the GWSA will be determined when the Vermont Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report for 2024 is completed and released in 2027.
In the months ahead, ANR staff will dig into all available data to better understand what factors may have contributed to the increases in gasoline and diesel fuel sales, and whether there are more efficient and effective ways to invest the significant resources Vermont taxpayers have committed to greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
###
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. To file a discrimination complaint, for questions, free language services, or requests for reasonable accommodations, please contact ANR’s Nondiscrimination Coordinator at ANR.CivilRights@vermont.gov or visit ANR’s online Notice of Nondiscrimination.