Delaware CO₂ Emissions
Delaware emitted 12 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, 0.2% of the US total. That ranks it 48th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, at 11 metric tons per person.
Data year 2024 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System (June 2026)
How much CO₂ does Delaware emit?
Delaware produced 12 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 Delaware accounts for 0.2% of the national total.
Per person, that is 11 metric tons, 22% below the US average of 14.1 metric tons. On that measure Delaware ranks 35th highest of 51.
CO₂ emissions in Delaware since 1990
Energy-related emissions in Delaware have fallen by 35% since 1990, from 18 million metric tons to 12 million metric tons. Compared with 2005, the baseline year for many US climate targets and marked on the chart, they have fallen by 34%. Emissions peaked in 1993 at 19 million metric tons and are now 39% below that level.
Emissions by sector
Transportation is the largest source of energy-related CO₂ in Delaware, at about 45% of the total, followed by industrial at 24% and electric power at 15%.
Emissions by fuel
Petroleum produces about 61% of the state’s energy-related CO₂, natural gas 37% and coal 2%.
How Delaware compares with other states
These are the states closest to Delaware in the 2024 ranking by total emissions. See the full ranking of all states.
| # | State | Total (Mt) | Share of US | Per person (t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46 | South Dakota | 15.11 | 0.3% | 16.3 |
| 47 | New Hampshire | 13.60 | 0.3% | 9.7 |
| 48 | Delaware | 11.52 | 0.2% | 11.0 |
| 49 | Rhode Island | 11.05 | 0.2% | 9.9 |
| 50 | Vermont | 5.36 | 0.1% | 8.3 |
Frequently asked questions
How much CO₂ does Delaware emit per year?
Delaware emitted 12 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, which is 0.2% of the US total of 4.78 billion metric tons.
What are the CO₂ emissions per person in Delaware?
About 11 metric tons per person in 2024, 22% below the US average of 14.1 metric tons. That ranks 35th highest of 51.
Have emissions in Delaware fallen since 2005?
They have fallen by 34% since 2005 and fallen by 35% since 1990. Emissions peaked in 1993 at 19 million metric tons and are now 39% below that level.
What is the biggest source of CO₂ in Delaware?
Transportation is the largest sector, at about 45% of energy-related emissions, followed by industrial at 24%. By fuel, petroleum accounts for 61%.
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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