Illinois CO₂ Emissions
Illinois emitted 164 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, 3.4% of the US total. That ranks it 7th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, at 12.9 metric tons per person.
Data year 2024 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System (June 2026)
How much CO₂ does Illinois emit?
Illinois produced 164 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 Illinois accounts for 3.4% of the national total.
Per person, that is 12.9 metric tons, close to the US average of 14.1 metric tons. On that measure Illinois ranks 27th highest of 51.
CO₂ emissions in Illinois since 1990
Energy-related emissions in Illinois have fallen by 15% since 1990, from 193 million metric tons to 164 million metric tons. Compared with 2005, the baseline year for many US climate targets and marked on the chart, they have fallen by 33%. Emissions peaked in 1978 at 259 million metric tons and are now 37% below that level.
Emissions by sector
Transportation is the largest source of energy-related CO₂ in Illinois, at about 36% of the total, followed by electric power at 24% and industrial at 20%.
Emissions by fuel
Petroleum produces about 46% of the state’s energy-related CO₂, natural gas 34% and coal 20%.
How Illinois compares with other states
These are the states closest to Illinois in the 2024 ranking by total emissions. See the full ranking of all states.
| # | State | Total (Mt) | Share of US | Per person (t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Louisiana | 186.89 | 3.9% | 40.5 |
| 6 | Ohio | 186.34 | 3.9% | 15.7 |
| 7 | Illinois | 163.98 | 3.4% | 12.9 |
| 8 | New York | 163.69 | 3.4% | 8.2 |
| 9 | Indiana | 152.30 | 3.2% | 22.0 |
Frequently asked questions
How much CO₂ does Illinois emit per year?
Illinois emitted 164 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, which is 3.4% of the US total of 4.78 billion metric tons.
What are the CO₂ emissions per person in Illinois?
About 12.9 metric tons per person in 2024, close to the US average of 14.1 metric tons. That ranks 27th highest of 51.
Have emissions in Illinois fallen since 2005?
They have fallen by 33% since 2005 and fallen by 15% since 1990. Emissions peaked in 1978 at 259 million metric tons and are now 37% below that level.
What is the biggest source of CO₂ in Illinois?
Transportation is the largest sector, at about 36% of energy-related emissions, followed by electric power at 24%. By fuel, petroleum accounts for 46%.
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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