Pennsylvania CO₂ Emissions
Pennsylvania emitted 202 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, 4.2% of the US total. That ranks it 4th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, at 15.5 metric tons per person.
Data year 2024 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System (June 2026)
How much CO₂ does Pennsylvania emit?
Pennsylvania produced 202 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 Pennsylvania accounts for 4.2% of the national total.
Per person, that is 15.5 metric tons, close to the US average of 14.1 metric tons. On that measure Pennsylvania ranks 22nd highest of 51.
CO₂ emissions in Pennsylvania since 1990
Energy-related emissions in Pennsylvania have fallen by 24% since 1990, from 265 million metric tons to 202 million metric tons. Compared with 2005, the baseline year for many US climate targets and marked on the chart, they have fallen by 28%. Emissions peaked in 1973 at 326 million metric tons and are now 38% below that level.
Emissions by sector
Electric power is the largest source of energy-related CO₂ in Pennsylvania, at about 34% of the total, followed by transportation at 28% and industrial at 24%.
Emissions by fuel
Natural gas produces about 52% of the state’s energy-related CO₂, petroleum 34% and coal 14%.
How Pennsylvania compares with other states
These are the states closest to Pennsylvania in the 2024 ranking by total emissions. See the full ranking of all states.
| # | State | Total (Mt) | Share of US | Per person (t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | California | 315.98 | 6.6% | 8.0 |
| 3 | Florida | 230.85 | 4.8% | 9.9 |
| 4 | Pennsylvania | 201.57 | 4.2% | 15.5 |
| 5 | Louisiana | 186.89 | 3.9% | 40.5 |
| 6 | Ohio | 186.34 | 3.9% | 15.7 |
Frequently asked questions
How much CO₂ does Pennsylvania emit per year?
Pennsylvania emitted 202 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, which is 4.2% of the US total of 4.78 billion metric tons.
What are the CO₂ emissions per person in Pennsylvania?
About 15.5 metric tons per person in 2024, close to the US average of 14.1 metric tons. That ranks 22nd highest of 51.
Have emissions in Pennsylvania fallen since 2005?
They have fallen by 28% since 2005 and fallen by 24% since 1990. Emissions peaked in 1973 at 326 million metric tons and are now 38% below that level.
What is the biggest source of CO₂ in Pennsylvania?
Electric power is the largest sector, at about 34% of energy-related emissions, followed by transportation at 28%. By fuel, natural gas accounts for 52%.
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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