New Jersey CO₂ Emissions
New Jersey emitted 88 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, 1.8% of the US total. That ranks it 19th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, at 9.2 metric tons per person.
Data year 2024 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System (June 2026)
How much CO₂ does New Jersey emit?
New Jersey produced 88 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 New Jersey accounts for 1.8% of the national total.
Per person, that is 9.2 metric tons, 35% below the US average of 14.1 metric tons. On that measure New Jersey ranks 44th highest of 51.
CO₂ emissions in New Jersey since 1990
Energy-related emissions in New Jersey have fallen by 20% since 1990, from 109 million metric tons to 88 million metric tons. Compared with 2005, the baseline year for many US climate targets and marked on the chart, they have fallen by 33%. Emissions peaked in 1973 at 132 million metric tons and are now 34% below that level.
Emissions by sector
Transportation is the largest source of energy-related CO₂ in New Jersey, at about 51% of the total, followed by residential at 16% and electric power at 14%.
Emissions by fuel
Petroleum produces about 59% of the state’s energy-related CO₂, natural gas 41%.
How New Jersey compares with other states
These are the states closest to New Jersey in the 2024 ranking by total emissions. See the full ranking of all states.
| # | State | Total (Mt) | Share of US | Per person (t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | Tennessee | 90.46 | 1.9% | 12.5 |
| 18 | Oklahoma | 88.56 | 1.9% | 21.6 |
| 19 | New Jersey | 87.84 | 1.8% | 9.2 |
| 20 | Wisconsin | 85.12 | 1.8% | 14.3 |
| 21 | Arizona | 82.20 | 1.7% | 10.9 |
Frequently asked questions
How much CO₂ does New Jersey emit per year?
New Jersey emitted 88 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, which is 1.8% of the US total of 4.78 billion metric tons.
What are the CO₂ emissions per person in New Jersey?
About 9.2 metric tons per person in 2024, 35% below the US average of 14.1 metric tons. That ranks 44th highest of 51.
Have emissions in New Jersey fallen since 2005?
They have fallen by 33% since 2005 and fallen by 20% since 1990. Emissions peaked in 1973 at 132 million metric tons and are now 34% below that level.
What is the biggest source of CO₂ in New Jersey?
Transportation is the largest sector, at about 51% of energy-related emissions, followed by residential at 16%. By fuel, petroleum accounts for 59%.
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.
From states to companies. Work out your own business footprint from four figures on your bills.
Open the calculator