Decarbonization of Nitrogen Fertilizers, from Production to Runoff: A Policy Memo

Decarbonization of agriculture is critical to reshaping the U.S. economy as climate-resilient and less carbon-intensive. Decarbonizing nitrogen fertilizers specifically is increasingly important for the U.S. to achieve its climate targets while feeding a growing population in a changing climate, as around 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions result from nitrogen fertilizers alone. Carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from fertilizer come from non-renewable energy use, chemical processes, transportation, and on-farm applications. These emissions typically take the form of carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide, potent greenhouse gasses. To reduce emissions from nitrogen fertilizers, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Department of Energy (DOE) should 1) create federal regulations for nitrogen fertilizer use, 2) provide financial incentives for farmers transitioning to less-intensive nitrogen fertilizer use, and 3) create a research grant solicitation focused on regional methods for reducing nitrogen fertilizer use and the creation of green hydrogen.