Iowa CO₂ Emissions
Iowa emitted 65 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, 1.4% of the US total. That ranks it 27th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, at 20.2 metric tons per person.
Data year 2024 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System (June 2026)
How much CO₂ does Iowa emit?
Iowa produced 65 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 Iowa accounts for 1.4% of the national total.
Per person, that is 20.2 metric tons, 1.4 times the US average of 14.1 metric tons. On that measure Iowa ranks 14th highest of 51.
CO₂ emissions in Iowa since 1990
Energy-related emissions in Iowa have risen by 6% since 1990, from 61 million metric tons to 65 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 2008 at 89 million metric tons and are now 26% below that level.
Emissions by sector
Industrial is the largest source of energy-related CO₂ in Iowa, at about 32% of the total, followed by transportation at 30% and electric power at 26%.
Emissions by fuel
Petroleum produces about 39% of the state’s energy-related CO₂, natural gas 35% and coal 27%.
How Iowa compares with other states
These are the states closest to Iowa in the 2024 ranking by total emissions. See the full ranking of all states.
| # | State | Total (Mt) | Share of US | Per person (t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | West Virginia | 72.28 | 1.5% | 40.9 |
| 26 | South Carolina | 70.81 | 1.5% | 12.9 |
| 27 | Iowa | 65.23 | 1.4% | 20.2 |
| 28 | Mississippi | 64.75 | 1.4% | 21.9 |
| 29 | Arkansas | 58.42 | 1.2% | 18.9 |
Frequently asked questions
How much CO₂ does Iowa emit per year?
Iowa emitted 65 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, which is 1.4% of the US total of 4.78 billion metric tons.
What are the CO₂ emissions per person in Iowa?
About 20.2 metric tons per person in 2024, 1.4 times the US average of 14.1 metric tons. That ranks 14th highest of 51.
Have emissions in Iowa fallen since 2005?
They have fallen by 17% since 2005 and risen by 6% since 1990. Emissions peaked in 2008 at 89 million metric tons and are now 26% below that level.
What is the biggest source of CO₂ in Iowa?
Industrial is the largest sector, at about 32% of energy-related emissions, followed by transportation at 30%. By fuel, petroleum accounts for 39%.
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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