Kentucky CO₂ Emissions
Kentucky emitted 107 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, 2.2% of the US total. That ranks it 13th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, at 23.3 metric tons per person.
Data year 2024 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System (June 2026)
How much CO₂ does Kentucky emit?
Kentucky produced 107 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 Kentucky accounts for 2.2% of the national total.
Per person, that is 23.3 metric tons, 1.7 times the US average of 14.1 metric tons. On that measure Kentucky ranks 7th highest of 51.
CO₂ emissions in Kentucky since 1990
Energy-related emissions in Kentucky have fallen by 11% since 1990, from 120 million metric tons to 107 million metric tons. Compared with 2005, the baseline year for many US climate targets and marked on the chart, they have fallen by 31%. Emissions peaked in 2006 at 158 million metric tons and are now 33% below that level.
Emissions by sector
Electric power is the largest source of energy-related CO₂ in Kentucky, at about 50% of the total, followed by transportation at 31% and industrial at 13%.
Emissions by fuel
Coal produces about 44% of the state’s energy-related CO₂, petroleum 36% and natural gas 20%.
How Kentucky compares with other states
These are the states closest to Kentucky in the 2024 ranking by total emissions. See the full ranking of all states.
| # | State | Total (Mt) | Share of US | Per person (t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Georgia | 127.83 | 2.7% | 11.4 |
| 12 | North Carolina | 119.07 | 2.5% | 10.8 |
| 13 | Kentucky | 106.87 | 2.2% | 23.3 |
| 14 | Alabama | 104.32 | 2.2% | 20.2 |
| 15 | Virginia | 99.24 | 2.1% | 11.3 |
Frequently asked questions
How much CO₂ does Kentucky emit per year?
Kentucky emitted 107 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, which is 2.2% of the US total of 4.78 billion metric tons.
What are the CO₂ emissions per person in Kentucky?
About 23.3 metric tons per person in 2024, 1.7 times the US average of 14.1 metric tons. That ranks 7th highest of 51.
Have emissions in Kentucky fallen since 2005?
They have fallen by 31% since 2005 and fallen by 11% since 1990. Emissions peaked in 2006 at 158 million metric tons and are now 33% below that level.
What is the biggest source of CO₂ in Kentucky?
Electric power is the largest sector, at about 50% of energy-related emissions, followed by transportation at 31%. By fuel, coal 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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