Press Releases
11/12/2026
Connecticut’s Latest Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Shows Overall Emissions Declined in 2024, But Additional Action Needed to Meet Climate Goals
Economy-wide emissions decreased 1.3% from 2023 and remain 22% below 1990 levels
(HARTFORD) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today released its latest Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventory, a comprehensive accounting of Connecticut’s greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration from 1990 through 2024. The report updates previous inventories and includes human-generated emissions across all sectors of the economy, as well as estimates of emissions and carbon sequestration associated with the state’s natural and working lands.
The inventory shows that Connecticut continues to make long-term progress in reducing climate pollution. In 2024, economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions totaled 34.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MMTCO₂e), representing a 1.3% decrease from 2023, and a 28% reduction from 2001 benchmark levels. The report highlights the emissions reduction benefits of investments in nuclear energy, energy efficiency, and clean vehicles that are also reducing electric bills and making Connecticut a healthier and more affordable place to live.
Connecticut continues to meet the statutory 2020 climate target of reducing emissions to at least 10% below 1990 levels. Currently, emissions are 22% lower than 1990 levels. However, the inventory indicates that, based on the historical pace of reductions, the state is not yet on track to achieve its 45% below 2001 levels in 2030 emissions reduction target without additional action and emissions reductions, particularly in the transportation sector.
“Connecticut remains committed to transparent, data-driven greenhouse gas emissions accounting, and this latest inventory shows the state has made significant and sustained progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions over the past two decades,” said DEEP Acting Commissioner Emma Cimino. “Connecticut has made strategic investments in cleaner, cheaper electricity, energy efficiency, and cleaner buildings and transportation that continue to deliver measurable emissions reductions while promoting energy affordability. At the same time, the report underscores the urgency of accelerating emissions reductions, particularly in the transportation sector, if Connecticut is to meet its climate commitments and protect residents from the increasingly severe impacts of climate change.”
Key Findings from the 2024 Inventory
- Statewide emissions declined to 34.7 MMTCO₂e in 2024, down 1.3% from 2023, 28% below 2001 levels, and 22% below 1990 levels.
- Transportation, the state's largest emissions source (44% of total emissions), increased slightly in 2024 and remains the sector requiring the greatest emissions reductions.
- Building sector emissions continued to decline, with residential emissions down 3% and commercial emissions down 4.6% from 2023.
- Electric power emissions fell 19.5% from 2023 and are now 77% below 2001 levels, continuing a long-term downward trend.
- Industrial process emissions declined slightly from 2023 but remain above 2001 levels.
- Emissions from agriculture, waste, and natural gas systems remained relatively stable.
- Connecticut's natural and working lands removed an estimated 4.8 MMTCO₂e from the atmosphere through carbon sequestration.
- Connecticut continues to meet its 2020 greenhouse gas reduction target, but current trends indicate additional reductions are needed to achieve the state's 2030 climate goal.
Looking Ahead
Greenhouse gas emissions contribute to climate change, which is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme heat, flooding, severe storms, air quality impacts, and other threats to public health and infrastructure.
Connecticut's climate goals call for reducing emissions to 45% below 2001 levels by 2030, 65% below 2001 levels by 2040, and achieving economy-wide net-zero emissions by 2050, provided emissions are reduced by at least 80% below 2001 levels.
The findings in the 2024 inventory will help inform ongoing implementation of Connecticut’s climate, energy, transportation, and environmental policies designed to reduce emissions, improve air quality, lower energy costs, and strengthen resilience to climate impacts.
The full Connecticut Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory: 1990-2024 report is available at: Connecticut Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory 1990-2024
A Connecticut GHG Emissions Dashboard is available at: CT Greenhouse Gas Inventory Reports and Dashboard- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.Communications@ct.gov
860-424-4100