HARTFORD, Conn. — Connecticut's greenhouse gas emissions fell 1.3% in 2024 from the year before, but the state is not on track to meet its 2030 climate target without further cuts, particularly in transportation, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said Thursday.

The department's latest emissions inventory, covering 1990 through 2024, puts statewide emissions at 34.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2024. That is 22% below 1990 levels and 28% below 2001 levels, according to the report.

The state continues to meet the target in state law of cutting emissions to at least 10% below 1990 levels by 2020, the department said. Its later goals call for emissions 45% below 2001 levels by 2030 and 65% below by 2040, and for net-zero emissions across the economy by 2050, provided emissions are at least 80% below 2001 levels. Based on the historical pace of reductions, the department said, the state will miss the 2030 mark without additional action.

Transportation, the largest source at 44% of the total, rose slightly in 2024, according to the inventory. Emissions from electric power fell 19.5% from 2023 and are now 77% below 2001 levels. Residential building emissions dropped 3% and commercial building emissions 4.6%. Industrial process emissions declined slightly but remain above 2001 levels, while emissions from agriculture, waste and natural gas systems held relatively steady.

The state's forests and other natural and working lands absorbed an estimated 4.8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, the department said.

The department credited investments in nuclear energy, energy efficiency and cleaner vehicles for the long-term decline. Acting Commissioner Emma Cimino said the report "underscores the urgency of accelerating emissions reductions, particularly in the transportation sector, if Connecticut is to meet its climate commitments."

The Signal reported Tuesday that the department planned to present the inventory to the Governor's Council on Climate Change at a virtual meeting Thursday that was to include public comment. Gov. Ned Lamont created the council by executive order on Sept. 3, 2019, to monitor and report each year on the state's progress against climate change.

Earlier coverage: Connecticut climate council to receive latest greenhouse gas inventory at Thursday meeting

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