Nebraska CO₂ Emissions
Nebraska emitted 44 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, 0.9% of the US total. That ranks it 37th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, at 21.7 metric tons per person.
Data year 2024 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System (June 2026)
How much CO₂ does Nebraska emit?
Nebraska produced 44 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 Nebraska accounts for 0.9% of the national total.
Per person, that is 21.7 metric tons, 1.5 times the US average of 14.1 metric tons. On that measure Nebraska ranks 11th highest of 51.
CO₂ emissions in Nebraska since 1990
Energy-related emissions in Nebraska have risen by 33% since 1990, from 33 million metric tons to 44 million metric tons. Compared with 2005, the baseline year for many US climate targets and marked on the chart, they have changed by less than 1%. Emissions peaked in 2013 at 53 million metric tons and are now 18% below that level.
Emissions by sector
Electric power is the largest source of energy-related CO₂ in Nebraska, at about 39% of the total, followed by transportation at 31% and industrial at 20%.
Emissions by fuel
Coal produces about 39% of the state’s energy-related CO₂, petroleum 36% and natural gas 24%.
How Nebraska compares with other states
These are the states closest to Nebraska in the 2024 ranking by total emissions. See the full ranking of all states.
| # | State | Total (Mt) | Share of US | Per person (t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | Maryland | 48.77 | 1.0% | 7.8 |
| 36 | Alaska | 44.01 | 0.9% | 59.7 |
| 37 | Nebraska | 43.54 | 0.9% | 21.7 |
| 38 | New Mexico | 41.63 | 0.9% | 19.6 |
| 39 | Nevada | 39.28 | 0.8% | 12.1 |
Frequently asked questions
How much CO₂ does Nebraska emit per year?
Nebraska emitted 44 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, which is 0.9% of the US total of 4.78 billion metric tons.
What are the CO₂ emissions per person in Nebraska?
About 21.7 metric tons per person in 2024, 1.5 times the US average of 14.1 metric tons. That ranks 11th highest of 51.
Have emissions in Nebraska fallen since 2005?
They have changed by less than 1% since 2005 and risen by 33% since 1990. Emissions peaked in 2013 at 53 million metric tons and are now 18% below that level.
What is the biggest source of CO₂ in Nebraska?
Electric power is the largest sector, at about 39% of energy-related emissions, followed by transportation at 31%. By fuel, coal 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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