West Virginia CO₂ Emissions
West Virginia emitted 72 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, 1.5% of the US total. That ranks it 25th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, at 40.9 metric tons per person.
Data year 2024 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System (June 2026)
How much CO₂ does West Virginia emit?
West Virginia produced 72 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 West Virginia accounts for 1.5% of the national total.
Per person, that is 40.9 metric tons, 2.9 times the US average of 14.1 metric tons. On that measure West Virginia ranks 4th highest of 51.
CO₂ emissions in West Virginia since 1990
Energy-related emissions in West Virginia have fallen by 30% since 1990, from 103 million metric tons to 72 million metric tons. Compared with 2005, the baseline year for many US climate targets and marked on the chart, they have fallen by 37%. Emissions peaked in 2002 at 119 million metric tons and are now 39% below that level.
Emissions by sector
Electric power is the largest source of energy-related CO₂ in West Virginia, at about 62% of the total, followed by industrial at 18% and transportation at 16%.
Emissions by fuel
Coal produces about 60% of the state’s energy-related CO₂, natural gas 23% and petroleum 17%.
How West Virginia compares with other states
These are the states closest to West Virginia in the 2024 ranking by total emissions. See the full ranking of all states.
| # | State | Total (Mt) | Share of US | Per person (t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 27 | Iowa | 65.23 | 1.4% | 20.2 |
Frequently asked questions
How much CO₂ does West Virginia emit per year?
West Virginia emitted 72 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 West Virginia?
About 40.9 metric tons per person in 2024, 2.9 times the US average of 14.1 metric tons. That ranks 4th highest of 51.
Have emissions in West Virginia fallen since 2005?
They have fallen by 37% since 2005 and fallen by 30% since 1990. Emissions peaked in 2002 at 119 million metric tons and are now 39% below that level.
What is the biggest source of CO₂ in West Virginia?
Electric power is the largest sector, at about 62% of energy-related emissions, followed by industrial at 18%. By fuel, coal accounts for 60%.
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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