North Dakota CO₂ Emissions
North Dakota emitted 55 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, 1.2% of the US total. That ranks it 31st among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, at 69.5 metric tons per person.
Data year 2024 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System (June 2026)
How much CO₂ does North Dakota emit?
North Dakota produced 55 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 North Dakota accounts for 1.2% of the national total.
Per person, that is 69.5 metric tons, 4.9 times the US average of 14.1 metric tons. On that measure North Dakota ranks 2nd highest of 51.
CO₂ emissions in North Dakota since 1990
Energy-related emissions in North Dakota have risen by 24% since 1990, from 45 million metric tons to 55 million metric tons. Compared with 2005, the baseline year for many US climate targets and marked on the chart, they have risen by 5%. Emissions peaked in 2014 at 59 million metric tons and are now 6% below that level.
Emissions by sector
Electric power is the largest source of energy-related CO₂ in North Dakota, at about 48% of the total, followed by industrial at 31% and transportation at 16%.
Emissions by fuel
Coal produces about 59% of the state’s energy-related CO₂, petroleum 21% and natural gas 20%.
How North Dakota compares with other states
These are the states closest to North Dakota in the 2024 ranking by total emissions. See the full ranking of all states.
| # | State | Total (Mt) | Share of US | Per person (t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 33 | Utah | 55.03 | 1.2% | 15.7 |
Frequently asked questions
How much CO₂ does North Dakota emit per year?
North Dakota emitted 55 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 North Dakota?
About 69.5 metric tons per person in 2024, 4.9 times the US average of 14.1 metric tons. That ranks 2nd highest of 51.
Have emissions in North Dakota fallen since 2005?
They have risen by 5% since 2005 and risen by 24% since 1990. Emissions peaked in 2014 at 59 million metric tons and are now 6% below that level.
What is the biggest source of CO₂ in North Dakota?
Electric power is the largest sector, at about 48% of energy-related emissions, followed by industrial at 31%. By fuel, coal 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.
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