South Dakota CO₂ Emissions
South Dakota emitted 15 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, 0.3% of the US total. That ranks it 46th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, at 16.3 metric tons per person.
Data year 2024 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System (June 2026)
How much CO₂ does South Dakota emit?
South Dakota produced 15 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 Dakota accounts for 0.3% of the national total.
Per person, that is 16.3 metric tons, 1.2 times the US average of 14.1 metric tons. On that measure South Dakota ranks 18th highest of 51.
CO₂ emissions in South Dakota since 1990
Energy-related emissions in South Dakota have risen by 29% since 1990, from 12 million metric tons to 15 million metric tons. Compared with 2005, the baseline year for many US climate targets and marked on the chart, they have risen by 14%. Emissions peaked in 2019 at 16 million metric tons and are now 5% below that level.
Emissions by sector
Transportation is the largest source of energy-related CO₂ in South Dakota, at about 44% of the total, followed by industrial at 25% and electric power at 19%.
Emissions by fuel
Petroleum produces about 51% of the state’s energy-related CO₂, natural gas 36% and coal 14%.
How South Dakota compares with other states
These are the states closest to South Dakota in the 2024 ranking by total emissions. See the full ranking of all states.
| # | State | Total (Mt) | Share of US | Per person (t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | Hawaii | 17.95 | 0.4% | 12.5 |
| 45 | Maine | 15.99 | 0.3% | 11.4 |
| 46 | South Dakota | 15.11 | 0.3% | 16.3 |
| 47 | New Hampshire | 13.60 | 0.3% | 9.7 |
| 48 | Delaware | 11.52 | 0.2% | 11.0 |
Frequently asked questions
How much CO₂ does South Dakota emit per year?
South Dakota emitted 15 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, which is 0.3% of the US total of 4.78 billion metric tons.
What are the CO₂ emissions per person in South Dakota?
About 16.3 metric tons per person in 2024, 1.2 times the US average of 14.1 metric tons. That ranks 18th highest of 51.
Have emissions in South Dakota fallen since 2005?
They have risen by 14% since 2005 and risen by 29% since 1990. Emissions peaked in 2019 at 16 million metric tons and are now 5% below that level.
What is the biggest source of CO₂ in South Dakota?
Transportation is the largest sector, at about 44% of energy-related emissions, followed by industrial at 25%. By fuel, petroleum 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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