Much of the recent shift in energy-related CO2 emissions was due to economic and behavioral effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on energy consumption.

“[In 2020], U.S. energy consumption was heavily affected by responses to COVID-19, including working from home and other stay-at-home measures, closed or limited operating hours for several types of businesses, and travel restrictions,” EIA said. “In April, when many parts of the country instituted measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, monthly U.S. energy consumption fell to a 30-year low, and emissions fell to a record low.”