District of Columbia CO₂ Emissions
The District of Columbia emitted 2.5 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, 0.1% of the US total. That ranks it 51st among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, at 3.6 metric tons per person.
Data year 2024 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System (June 2026)
How much CO₂ does the District of Columbia emit?
The District of Columbia produced 2.5 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 the District of Columbia accounts for 0.1% of the national total.
Per person, that is 3.6 metric tons, 74% below the US average of 14.1 metric tons. On that measure the District of Columbia ranks 51st highest of 51.
CO₂ emissions in the District of Columbia since 1990
Energy-related emissions in the District of Columbia have fallen by 43% since 1990, from 4.4 million metric tons to 2.5 million metric tons. Compared with 2005, the baseline year for many US climate targets and marked on the chart, they have fallen by 36%. Emissions peaked in 1970 at 14 million metric tons and are now 82% below that level.
Emissions by sector
Transportation is the largest source of energy-related CO₂ in the District of Columbia, at about 41% of the total, followed by commercial at 34% and residential at 24%.
Emissions by fuel
Natural gas produces about 57% of the state’s energy-related CO₂, petroleum 43%.
How the District of Columbia compares with other states
These are the states closest to the District of Columbia in the 2024 ranking by total emissions. See the full ranking of all states.
| # | State | Total (Mt) | Share of US | Per person (t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 51 | District of Columbia | 2.51 | 0.1% | 3.6 |
Frequently asked questions
How much CO₂ does the District of Columbia emit per year?
The District of Columbia emitted 2.5 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, which is 0.1% of the US total of 4.78 billion metric tons.
What are the CO₂ emissions per person in the District of Columbia?
About 3.6 metric tons per person in 2024, 74% below the US average of 14.1 metric tons. That ranks 51st highest of 51.
Have emissions in the District of Columbia fallen since 2005?
They have fallen by 36% since 2005 and fallen by 43% since 1990. Emissions peaked in 1970 at 14 million metric tons and are now 82% below that level.
What is the biggest source of CO₂ in the District of Columbia?
Transportation is the largest sector, at about 41% of energy-related emissions, followed by commercial at 34%. By fuel, natural gas accounts for 57%.
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.
From states to companies. Work out your own business footprint from four figures on your bills.
Open the calculator