Rhode Island CO₂ Emissions
Rhode Island emitted 11 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, 0.2% of the US total. That ranks it 49th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, at 9.9 metric tons per person.
Data year 2024 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System (June 2026)
How much CO₂ does Rhode Island emit?
Rhode Island produced 11 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 Rhode Island accounts for 0.2% of the national total.
Per person, that is 9.9 metric tons, 30% below the US average of 14.1 metric tons. On that measure Rhode Island ranks 41st highest of 51.
CO₂ emissions in Rhode Island since 1990
Energy-related emissions in Rhode Island have risen by 25% since 1990, from 8.9 million metric tons to 11 million metric tons. Compared with 2005, the baseline year for many US climate targets and marked on the chart, they have fallen by 1%. Emissions peaked in 1998 at 14 million metric tons and are now 20% below that level.
Emissions by sector
Transportation is the largest source of energy-related CO₂ in Rhode Island, at about 37% of the total, followed by electric power at 32% and residential at 18%.
Emissions by fuel
Natural gas produces about 51% of the state’s energy-related CO₂, petroleum 49%.
How Rhode Island compares with other states
These are the states closest to Rhode Island in the 2024 ranking by total emissions. See the full ranking of all states.
| # | State | Total (Mt) | Share of US | Per person (t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47 | New Hampshire | 13.60 | 0.3% | 9.7 |
| 48 | Delaware | 11.52 | 0.2% | 11.0 |
| 49 | Rhode Island | 11.05 | 0.2% | 9.9 |
| 50 | Vermont | 5.36 | 0.1% | 8.3 |
| 51 | District of Columbia | 2.51 | 0.1% | 3.6 |
Frequently asked questions
How much CO₂ does Rhode Island emit per year?
Rhode Island emitted 11 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, which is 0.2% of the US total of 4.78 billion metric tons.
What are the CO₂ emissions per person in Rhode Island?
About 9.9 metric tons per person in 2024, 30% below the US average of 14.1 metric tons. That ranks 41st highest of 51.
Have emissions in Rhode Island fallen since 2005?
They have fallen by 1% since 2005 and risen by 25% since 1990. Emissions peaked in 1998 at 14 million metric tons and are now 20% below that level.
What is the biggest source of CO₂ in Rhode Island?
Transportation is the largest sector, at about 37% of energy-related emissions, followed by electric power at 32%. By fuel, natural gas accounts for 51%.
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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