Arkansas CO₂ Emissions
Arkansas emitted 58 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, 1.2% of the US total. That ranks it 29th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, at 18.9 metric tons per person.
Data year 2024 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System (June 2026)
How much CO₂ does Arkansas emit?
Arkansas produced 58 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels in 2024. The United States as a whole emitted 4.78 billion metric tons, so Arkansas accounts for 1.2% of the national total.
Per person, that is 18.9 metric tons, 1.3 times the US average of 14.1 metric tons. On that measure Arkansas ranks 16th highest of 51.
CO₂ emissions in Arkansas since 1990
Energy-related emissions in Arkansas have risen by 15% since 1990, from 51 million metric tons to 58 million metric tons. Compared with 2005, the baseline year for many US climate targets and marked on the chart, they have fallen by 3%. Emissions peaked in 2018 at 71 million metric tons and are now 17% below that level.
Emissions by sector
Electric power is the largest source of energy-related CO₂ in Arkansas, at about 44% of the total, followed by transportation at 33% and industrial at 14%.
Emissions by fuel
Petroleum produces about 38% of the state’s energy-related CO₂, natural gas 35% and coal 28%.
How Arkansas compares with other states
These are the states closest to Arkansas in the 2024 ranking by total emissions. See the full ranking of all states.
| # | State | Total (Mt) | Share of US | Per person (t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | Iowa | 65.23 | 1.4% | 20.2 |
| 28 | Mississippi | 64.75 | 1.4% | 21.9 |
| 29 | Arkansas | 58.42 | 1.2% | 18.9 |
| 30 | Massachusetts | 58.07 | 1.2% | 8.1 |
| 31 | North Dakota | 55.15 | 1.2% | 69.5 |
Frequently asked questions
How much CO₂ does Arkansas emit per year?
Arkansas emitted 58 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, which is 1.2% of the US total of 4.78 billion metric tons.
What are the CO₂ emissions per person in Arkansas?
About 18.9 metric tons per person in 2024, 1.3 times the US average of 14.1 metric tons. That ranks 16th highest of 51.
Have emissions in Arkansas fallen since 2005?
They have fallen by 3% since 2005 and risen by 15% since 1990. Emissions peaked in 2018 at 71 million metric tons and are now 17% below that level.
What is the biggest source of CO₂ in Arkansas?
Electric power is the largest sector, at about 44% of energy-related emissions, followed by transportation at 33%. By fuel, petroleum accounts for 38%.
About the data. Figures are energy-related carbon dioxide emissions: CO₂ from burning coal, natural gas and petroleum, in million metric tons. Emissions from power plants are counted in the state where the electricity is generated, not where it is used. Other greenhouse gases and non-energy sources such as agriculture are not included.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System, released June 26, 2026. Latest year available: 2024.
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