U.S. Energy Data’s compilation of federal figures shows West Virginia, Kentucky and Wyoming had the highest power-generation carbon intensity in 2024, largely because of coal use; Vermont had the lowest, with essentially all its in-state generation from renewables.
Carbon intensity measures carbon pollution emitted per megawatt-hour of electricity generated. The comparison covers power produced in each state, not necessarily what people there consume: Wyoming generates about 12 times more electricity than it uses, and power flows across state lines.
U.S. power-sector greenhouse gas emissions fell about 40% from 2005 to 2024 as coal plants closed and were replaced by cheaper natural-gas-fired facilities and renewables. Generation became less carbon-intensive in every state except Idaho and Vermont. Many states aim for fully clean grids by midcentury; the article cites data-center demand driving a gas-power boom and the Trump administration’s opposition to renewables and support for coal as challenges.
