Washington CO₂ Emissions
Washington emitted 74 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, 1.5% of the US total. That ranks it 24th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, at 9.3 metric tons per person.
Data year 2024 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System (June 2026)
How much CO₂ does Washington emit?
Washington produced 74 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 Washington accounts for 1.5% of the national total.
Per person, that is 9.3 metric tons, 34% below the US average of 14.1 metric tons. On that measure Washington ranks 43rd highest of 51.
CO₂ emissions in Washington since 1990
Energy-related emissions in Washington have risen by 3% since 1990, from 72 million metric tons to 74 million metric tons. Compared with 2005, the baseline year for many US climate targets and marked on the chart, they have fallen by 6%. Emissions peaked in 1999 at 85 million metric tons and are now 14% below that level.
Emissions by sector
Transportation is the largest source of energy-related CO₂ in Washington, at about 57% of the total, followed by industrial at 15% and electric power at 14%.
Emissions by fuel
Petroleum produces about 67% of the state’s energy-related CO₂, natural gas 28% and coal 4%.
How Washington compares with other states
These are the states closest to Washington in the 2024 ranking by total emissions. See the full ranking of all states.
| # | State | Total (Mt) | Share of US | Per person (t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | Colorado | 79.57 | 1.7% | 13.3 |
| 23 | Minnesota | 77.89 | 1.6% | 13.4 |
| 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 |
Frequently asked questions
How much CO₂ does Washington emit per year?
Washington emitted 74 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 Washington?
About 9.3 metric tons per person in 2024, 34% below the US average of 14.1 metric tons. That ranks 43rd highest of 51.
Have emissions in Washington fallen since 2005?
They have fallen by 6% since 2005 and risen by 3% since 1990. Emissions peaked in 1999 at 85 million metric tons and are now 14% below that level.
What is the biggest source of CO₂ in Washington?
Transportation is the largest sector, at about 57% of energy-related emissions, followed by industrial at 15%. By fuel, petroleum accounts for 67%.
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.
From states to companies. Work out your own business footprint from four figures on your bills.
Open the calculator