Wisconsin CO₂ Emissions
Wisconsin emitted 85 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, 1.8% of the US total. That ranks it 20th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia, at 14.3 metric tons per person.
Data year 2024 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System (June 2026)
How much CO₂ does Wisconsin emit?
Wisconsin produced 85 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 Wisconsin accounts for 1.8% of the national total.
Per person, that is 14.3 metric tons, close to the US average of 14.1 metric tons. On that measure Wisconsin ranks 23rd highest of 51.
CO₂ emissions in Wisconsin since 1990
Energy-related emissions in Wisconsin have changed by less than 1% since 1990, from 86 million metric tons to 85 million metric tons. Compared with 2005, the baseline year for many US climate targets and marked on the chart, they have fallen by 23%. Emissions peaked in 2005 at 111 million metric tons and are now 23% below that level.
Emissions by sector
Electric power is the largest source of energy-related CO₂ in Wisconsin, at about 36% of the total, followed by transportation at 33% and industrial at 13%.
Emissions by fuel
Petroleum produces about 39% of the state’s energy-related CO₂, natural gas 36% and coal 24%.
How Wisconsin compares with other states
These are the states closest to Wisconsin in the 2024 ranking by total emissions. See the full ranking of all states.
| # | State | Total (Mt) | Share of US | Per person (t) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | Oklahoma | 88.56 | 1.9% | 21.6 |
| 19 | New Jersey | 87.84 | 1.8% | 9.2 |
| 20 | Wisconsin | 85.12 | 1.8% | 14.3 |
| 21 | Arizona | 82.20 | 1.7% | 10.9 |
| 22 | Colorado | 79.57 | 1.7% | 13.3 |
Frequently asked questions
How much CO₂ does Wisconsin emit per year?
Wisconsin emitted 85 million metric tons of energy-related CO₂ in 2024, which is 1.8% of the US total of 4.78 billion metric tons.
What are the CO₂ emissions per person in Wisconsin?
About 14.3 metric tons per person in 2024, close to the US average of 14.1 metric tons. That ranks 23rd highest of 51.
Have emissions in Wisconsin fallen since 2005?
They have fallen by 23% since 2005 and changed by less than 1% since 1990. Emissions peaked in 2005 at 111 million metric tons and are now 23% below that level.
What is the biggest source of CO₂ in Wisconsin?
Electric power is the largest sector, at about 36% of energy-related emissions, followed by transportation at 33%. By fuel, petroleum accounts for 39%.
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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