California CO₂ Emissions
California emitted 316 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, 6.6% of the US total. That ranks it 2nd among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, at 8 metric tons per person.
Data year 2024 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System (June 2026)
How much CO₂ does California emit?
California produced 316 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 California accounts for 6.6% of the national total.
Per person, that is 8 metric tons, 43% below the US average of 14.1 metric tons. On that measure California ranks 49th highest of 51.
CO₂ emissions in California since 1990
Energy-related emissions in California have fallen by 12% since 1990, from 361 million metric tons to 316 million metric tons. Compared with 2005, the baseline year for many US climate targets and marked on the chart, they have fallen by 19%. Emissions peaked in 2007 at 403 million metric tons and are now 22% below that level.
Emissions by sector
Transportation is the largest source of energy-related CO₂ in California, at about 57% of the total, followed by industrial at 18% and electric power at 10%.
Emissions by fuel
Petroleum produces about 66% of the state’s energy-related CO₂, natural gas 33% and coal 1%.
How California compares with other states
These are the states closest to California in the 2024 ranking by total emissions. See the full ranking of all states.
| # | State | Total (Mt) | Share of US | Per person (t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 679.93 | 14.2% | 21.7 |
| 2 | California | 315.98 | 6.6% | 8.0 |
| 3 | Florida | 230.85 | 4.8% | 9.9 |
| 4 | Pennsylvania | 201.57 | 4.2% | 15.5 |
| 5 | Louisiana | 186.89 | 3.9% | 40.5 |
Frequently asked questions
How much CO₂ does California emit per year?
California emitted 316 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, which is 6.6% of the US total of 4.78 billion metric tons.
What are the CO₂ emissions per person in California?
About 8 metric tons per person in 2024, 43% below the US average of 14.1 metric tons. That ranks 49th highest of 51.
Have emissions in California fallen since 2005?
They have fallen by 19% since 2005 and fallen by 12% since 1990. Emissions peaked in 2007 at 403 million metric tons and are now 22% below that level.
What is the biggest source of CO₂ in California?
Transportation is the largest sector, at about 57% of energy-related emissions, followed by industrial at 18%. By fuel, petroleum accounts for 66%.
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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