Ohio CO₂ Emissions
Ohio emitted 186 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, 3.9% of the US total. That ranks it 6th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, at 15.7 metric tons per person.
Data year 2024 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System (June 2026)
How much CO₂ does Ohio emit?
Ohio produced 186 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 Ohio accounts for 3.9% of the national total.
Per person, that is 15.7 metric tons, close to the US average of 14.1 metric tons. On that measure Ohio ranks 19th highest of 51.
CO₂ emissions in Ohio since 1990
Energy-related emissions in Ohio have fallen by 25% since 1990, from 247 million metric tons to 186 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 1976 at 297 million metric tons and are now 37% below that level.
Emissions by sector
Electric power is the largest source of energy-related CO₂ in Ohio, at about 34% of the total, followed by transportation at 32% and industrial at 20%.
Emissions by fuel
Natural gas produces about 42% of the state’s energy-related CO₂, petroleum 38% and coal 20%.
How Ohio compares with other states
These are the states closest to Ohio in the 2024 ranking by total emissions. See the full ranking of all states.
| # | State | Total (Mt) | Share of US | Per person (t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Pennsylvania | 201.57 | 4.2% | 15.5 |
| 5 | Louisiana | 186.89 | 3.9% | 40.5 |
| 6 | Ohio | 186.34 | 3.9% | 15.7 |
| 7 | Illinois | 163.98 | 3.4% | 12.9 |
| 8 | New York | 163.69 | 3.4% | 8.2 |
Frequently asked questions
How much CO₂ does Ohio emit per year?
Ohio emitted 186 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, which is 3.9% of the US total of 4.78 billion metric tons.
What are the CO₂ emissions per person in Ohio?
About 15.7 metric tons per person in 2024, close to the US average of 14.1 metric tons. That ranks 19th highest of 51.
Have emissions in Ohio fallen since 2005?
They have fallen by 31% since 2005 and fallen by 25% since 1990. Emissions peaked in 1976 at 297 million metric tons and are now 37% below that level.
What is the biggest source of CO₂ in Ohio?
Electric power is the largest sector, at about 34% of energy-related emissions, followed by transportation at 32%. By fuel, natural gas accounts for 42%.
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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