Rising Gasoline Use Is Undercutting Commonwealth Climate Goals

According to Streetsblog, Massachusetts’ gasoline consumption has been on the rise for four consecutive years. While emissions from gasoline use held relatively (and unfortunately) steady between 2014 and 2019, they dropped in 2020—only to creep back up every year since. Even though 2023 and 2024 emissions remained lower than 2019 levels, the decline isn’t nearly enough to put the Commonwealth on track for its official 2025 Climate Targets.

This isn’t just about year-to-year fluctuations. It’s a sign that the state’s policies aren’t meaningfully reducing car dependency and fossil fuel use.

Without bigger changes, we won’t hit our climate goals. That’s why expanding access to viable alternatives—like shuttles, transit connections, and bike-friendly infrastructure—is critical to shifting travel behavior on a larger scale.

Learn more: 2024 Stats → | 2023 Stats → | MA Climate Targets →