Massachusetts CO₂ Emissions
Massachusetts emitted 58 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, 1.2% of the US total. That ranks it 30th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, at 8.1 metric tons per person.
Data year 2024 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System (June 2026)
How much CO₂ does Massachusetts emit?
Massachusetts produced 58 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 Massachusetts accounts for 1.2% of the national total.
Per person, that is 8.1 metric tons, 43% below the US average of 14.1 metric tons. On that measure Massachusetts ranks 48th highest of 51.
CO₂ emissions in Massachusetts since 1990
Energy-related emissions in Massachusetts have fallen by 30% since 1990, from 83 million metric tons to 58 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 1972 at 104 million metric tons and are now 44% below that level.
Emissions by sector
Transportation is the largest source of energy-related CO₂ in Massachusetts, at about 50% of the total, followed by residential at 21% and commercial at 13%.
Emissions by fuel
Petroleum produces about 64% of the state’s energy-related CO₂, natural gas 36%.
How Massachusetts compares with other states
These are the states closest to Massachusetts in the 2024 ranking by total emissions. See the full ranking of all states.
| # | State | Total (Mt) | Share of US | Per person (t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | Mississippi | 64.75 | 1.4% | 21.9 |
| 29 | Arkansas | 58.42 | 1.2% | 18.9 |
| 30 | Massachusetts | 58.07 | 1.2% | 8.1 |
| 31 | North Dakota | 55.15 | 1.2% | 69.5 |
| 32 | Kansas | 55.09 | 1.2% | 18.6 |
Frequently asked questions
How much CO₂ does Massachusetts emit per year?
Massachusetts emitted 58 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, which is 1.2% of the US total of 4.78 billion metric tons.
What are the CO₂ emissions per person in Massachusetts?
About 8.1 metric tons per person in 2024, 43% below the US average of 14.1 metric tons. That ranks 48th highest of 51.
Have emissions in Massachusetts fallen since 2005?
They have fallen by 31% since 2005 and fallen by 30% since 1990. Emissions peaked in 1972 at 104 million metric tons and are now 44% below that level.
What is the biggest source of CO₂ in Massachusetts?
Transportation is the largest sector, at about 50% of energy-related emissions, followed by residential at 21%. By fuel, petroleum accounts for 64%.
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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