Tennessee CO₂ Emissions
Tennessee emitted 90 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, 1.9% of the US total. That ranks it 17th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, at 12.5 metric tons per person.
Data year 2024 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System (June 2026)
How much CO₂ does Tennessee emit?
Tennessee produced 90 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 Tennessee accounts for 1.9% of the national total.
Per person, that is 12.5 metric tons, close to the US average of 14.1 metric tons. On that measure Tennessee ranks 29th highest of 51.
CO₂ emissions in Tennessee since 1990
Energy-related emissions in Tennessee have fallen by 14% since 1990, from 105 million metric tons to 90 million metric tons. Compared with 2005, the baseline year for many US climate targets and marked on the chart, they have fallen by 29%. Emissions peaked in 2006 at 130 million metric tons and are now 30% below that level.
Emissions by sector
Transportation is the largest source of energy-related CO₂ in Tennessee, at about 49% of the total, followed by electric power at 26% and industrial at 16%.
Emissions by fuel
Petroleum produces about 52% of the state’s energy-related CO₂, natural gas 25% and coal 23%.
How Tennessee compares with other states
These are the states closest to Tennessee in the 2024 ranking by total emissions. See the full ranking of all states.
| # | State | Total (Mt) | Share of US | Per person (t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Virginia | 99.24 | 2.1% | 11.3 |
| 16 | Missouri | 98.03 | 2.1% | 15.7 |
| 17 | Tennessee | 90.46 | 1.9% | 12.5 |
| 18 | Oklahoma | 88.56 | 1.9% | 21.6 |
| 19 | New Jersey | 87.84 | 1.8% | 9.2 |
Frequently asked questions
How much CO₂ does Tennessee emit per year?
Tennessee emitted 90 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, which is 1.9% of the US total of 4.78 billion metric tons.
What are the CO₂ emissions per person in Tennessee?
About 12.5 metric tons per person in 2024, close to the US average of 14.1 metric tons. That ranks 29th highest of 51.
Have emissions in Tennessee fallen since 2005?
They have fallen by 29% since 2005 and fallen by 14% since 1990. Emissions peaked in 2006 at 130 million metric tons and are now 30% below that level.
What is the biggest source of CO₂ in Tennessee?
Transportation is the largest sector, at about 49% of energy-related emissions, followed by electric power at 26%. By fuel, petroleum 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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