South Carolina CO₂ Emissions
South Carolina emitted 71 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, 1.5% of the US total. That ranks it 26th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, at 12.9 metric tons per person.
Data year 2024 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System (June 2026)
How much CO₂ does South Carolina emit?
South Carolina produced 71 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 South Carolina accounts for 1.5% of the national total.
Per person, that is 12.9 metric tons, close to the US average of 14.1 metric tons. On that measure South Carolina ranks 28th highest of 51.
CO₂ emissions in South Carolina since 1990
Energy-related emissions in South Carolina have risen by 16% since 1990, from 61 million metric tons to 71 million metric tons. Compared with 2005, the baseline year for many US climate targets and marked on the chart, they have fallen by 20%. Emissions peaked in 2004 at 90 million metric tons and are now 21% below that level.
Emissions by sector
Transportation is the largest source of energy-related CO₂ in South Carolina, at about 46% of the total, followed by electric power at 38% and industrial at 10%.
Emissions by fuel
Petroleum produces about 50% of the state’s energy-related CO₂, natural gas 26% and coal 24%.
How South Carolina compares with other states
These are the states closest to South Carolina in the 2024 ranking by total emissions. See the full ranking of all states.
| # | State | Total (Mt) | Share of US | Per person (t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 | Washington | 73.81 | 1.5% | 9.3 |
| 25 | West Virginia | 72.28 | 1.5% | 40.9 |
| 26 | South Carolina | 70.81 | 1.5% | 12.9 |
| 27 | Iowa | 65.23 | 1.4% | 20.2 |
| 28 | Mississippi | 64.75 | 1.4% | 21.9 |
Frequently asked questions
How much CO₂ does South Carolina emit per year?
South Carolina emitted 71 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, which is 1.5% of the US total of 4.78 billion metric tons.
What are the CO₂ emissions per person in South Carolina?
About 12.9 metric tons per person in 2024, close to the US average of 14.1 metric tons. That ranks 28th highest of 51.
Have emissions in South Carolina fallen since 2005?
They have fallen by 20% since 2005 and risen by 16% since 1990. Emissions peaked in 2004 at 90 million metric tons and are now 21% below that level.
What is the biggest source of CO₂ in South Carolina?
Transportation is the largest sector, at about 46% of energy-related emissions, followed by electric power at 38%. By fuel, petroleum accounts for 50%.
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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