Colorado CO₂ Emissions
Colorado emitted 80 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, 1.7% of the US total. That ranks it 22nd among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, at 13.3 metric tons per person.
Data year 2024 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System (June 2026)
How much CO₂ does Colorado emit?
Colorado produced 80 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 Colorado accounts for 1.7% of the national total.
Per person, that is 13.3 metric tons, close to the US average of 14.1 metric tons. On that measure Colorado ranks 26th highest of 51.
CO₂ emissions in Colorado since 1990
Energy-related emissions in Colorado have risen by 21% since 1990, from 66 million metric tons to 80 million metric tons. Compared with 2005, the baseline year for many US climate targets and marked on the chart, they have fallen by 17%. Emissions peaked in 2007 at 99 million metric tons and are now 20% below that level.
Emissions by sector
Transportation is the largest source of energy-related CO₂ in Colorado, at about 38% of the total, followed by electric power at 32% and industrial at 15%.
Emissions by fuel
Petroleum produces about 44% of the state’s energy-related CO₂, natural gas 35% and coal 22%.
How Colorado compares with other states
These are the states closest to Colorado in the 2024 ranking by total emissions. See the full ranking of all states.
| # | State | Total (Mt) | Share of US | Per person (t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | Wisconsin | 85.12 | 1.8% | 14.3 |
| 21 | Arizona | 82.20 | 1.7% | 10.9 |
| 22 | Colorado | 79.57 | 1.7% | 13.3 |
| 23 | Minnesota | 77.89 | 1.6% | 13.4 |
| 24 | Washington | 73.81 | 1.5% | 9.3 |
Frequently asked questions
How much CO₂ does Colorado emit per year?
Colorado emitted 80 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, which is 1.7% of the US total of 4.78 billion metric tons.
What are the CO₂ emissions per person in Colorado?
About 13.3 metric tons per person in 2024, close to the US average of 14.1 metric tons. That ranks 26th highest of 51.
Have emissions in Colorado fallen since 2005?
They have fallen by 17% since 2005 and risen by 21% since 1990. Emissions peaked in 2007 at 99 million metric tons and are now 20% below that level.
What is the biggest source of CO₂ in Colorado?
Transportation is the largest sector, at about 38% of energy-related emissions, followed by electric power at 32%. By fuel, petroleum accounts for 44%.
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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