Montana CO₂ Emissions
Montana emitted 27 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, 0.6% of the US total. That ranks it 42nd among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, at 23.9 metric tons per person.
Data year 2024 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System (June 2026)
How much CO₂ does Montana emit?
Montana produced 27 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 Montana accounts for 0.6% of the national total.
Per person, that is 23.9 metric tons, 1.7 times the US average of 14.1 metric tons. On that measure Montana ranks 6th highest of 51.
CO₂ emissions in Montana since 1990
Energy-related emissions in Montana have fallen by 3% since 1990, from 28 million metric tons to 27 million metric tons. Compared with 2005, the baseline year for many US climate targets and marked on the chart, they have fallen by 24%. Emissions peaked in 2007 at 38 million metric tons and are now 28% below that level.
Emissions by sector
Electric power is the largest source of energy-related CO₂ in Montana, at about 43% of the total, followed by transportation at 29% and industrial at 16%.
Emissions by fuel
Petroleum produces about 43% of the state’s energy-related CO₂, coal 39% and natural gas 18%.
How Montana compares with other states
These are the states closest to Montana in the 2024 ranking by total emissions. See the full ranking of all states.
| # | State | Total (Mt) | Share of US | Per person (t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | Oregon | 38.94 | 0.8% | 9.1 |
| 41 | Connecticut | 37.09 | 0.8% | 10.1 |
| 42 | Montana | 27.16 | 0.6% | 23.9 |
| 43 | Idaho | 21.11 | 0.4% | 10.5 |
| 44 | Hawaii | 17.95 | 0.4% | 12.5 |
Frequently asked questions
How much CO₂ does Montana emit per year?
Montana emitted 27 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, which is 0.6% of the US total of 4.78 billion metric tons.
What are the CO₂ emissions per person in Montana?
About 23.9 metric tons per person in 2024, 1.7 times the US average of 14.1 metric tons. That ranks 6th highest of 51.
Have emissions in Montana fallen since 2005?
They have fallen by 24% since 2005 and fallen by 3% since 1990. Emissions peaked in 2007 at 38 million metric tons and are now 28% below that level.
What is the biggest source of CO₂ in Montana?
Electric power is the largest sector, at about 43% of energy-related emissions, followed by transportation at 29%. By fuel, petroleum accounts for 43%.
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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