Vermont CO₂ Emissions
Vermont emitted 5.4 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, 0.1% of the US total. That ranks it 50th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, at 8.3 metric tons per person.
Data year 2024 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System (June 2026)
How much CO₂ does Vermont emit?
Vermont produced 5.4 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 Vermont accounts for 0.1% of the national total.
Per person, that is 8.3 metric tons, 41% below the US average of 14.1 metric tons. On that measure Vermont ranks 46th highest of 51.
CO₂ emissions in Vermont since 1990
Energy-related emissions in Vermont have fallen by 2% since 1990, from 5.5 million metric tons to 5.4 million metric tons. Compared with 2005, the baseline year for many US climate targets and marked on the chart, they have fallen by 21%. Emissions peaked in 2004 at 7.1 million metric tons and are now 24% below that level.
Emissions by sector
Transportation is the largest source of energy-related CO₂ in Vermont, at about 53% of the total, followed by residential at 23% and commercial at 16%.
Emissions by fuel
Petroleum produces about 87% of the state’s energy-related CO₂, natural gas 13%.
How Vermont compares with other states
These are the states closest to Vermont 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 Vermont emit per year?
Vermont emitted 5.4 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, which is 0.1% of the US total of 4.78 billion metric tons.
What are the CO₂ emissions per person in Vermont?
About 8.3 metric tons per person in 2024, 41% below the US average of 14.1 metric tons. That ranks 46th highest of 51.
Have emissions in Vermont fallen since 2005?
They have fallen by 21% since 2005 and fallen by 2% since 1990. Emissions peaked in 2004 at 7.1 million metric tons and are now 24% below that level.
What is the biggest source of CO₂ in Vermont?
Transportation is the largest sector, at about 53% of energy-related emissions, followed by residential at 23%. By fuel, petroleum accounts for 87%.
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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