U.S. Vehicle Emissions Plunge

Tailpipe emissions from cars and trucks driven on U.S. roadways plummeted as much as two-thirds from 2002 to 2016, according to the U.S. Dept. of Energy.

Carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen emissions each plunged 65%, even though the total number of miles driven rose 13%. Emissions of volatile organic compounds and particulate matter (including those less than 2.5 microns in diameter) have dropped 56% and 29%, respectively.

DOE attributes the lower emissions to fuel economy gains and improvements to fuels and vehicle technologies. The 13% increase in miles traveled was due in part to a 12% increase in the size of the overall vehicle fleet through 2015.