The inventory contains a detailed accounting of greenhouse gases from human activity in key source categories from 1990 to 2017 and projects the state’s emissions from 2018 through 2030 based on forecasted changes in fuel use, land use, population, historical trends and other factors. 

Cooper’s executive order aimed to reduce emissions from 2005 levels by 40 percent before 2025. In 2017, statewide net reductions were down 23.7 percent from 2005 levels, and by 2025, emissions are forecasted to decline 31 percent from 2005 levels based on current state and federal policies. 

A draft report was released for public comment in December. The final version reflects changes based on public feedback and other updates since the draft version. It is available at deq.nc.gov/energy-climate/climate-change/greenhouse-gas-inventory.