Rhode Island was behind the national pace in reducing emissions of global-warming greenhouse gases between 2005 and 2022, according to a report recently released by Environment America, U.S. PIRG Education Fund, and the Frontier Group.

Nationally, the United States reduced its overall greenhouse gas emissions 15% and its per capita emissions by 25%, but the report found significant variation in emissions trends by state.

Rhode Island cut emissions by 13%, ranking it 46th. Massachusetts cut emissions by 33% and Connecticut by 17%.

“This data shows we are lagging behind when it comes to cleaning up our air and protecting our planet,” said Rex Wilmouth, Environment Rhode Island director.

The United States has made a commitment to reduce emissions by 50%-52% below 2005 levels by 2030, which means all 50 states will have to significantly step up their emission reduction efforts, particularly given new uncertainty around federal leadership on climate.

In 2022 greenhouse gas emissions that cause air pollution and climate change were lower than they were in 2005 in 44 states and the District of Columbia. Maine, New Hampshire, Maryland, and Georgia had the largest overall emissions reductions, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 37% or more between 2005 and 2022.

The six states with increased overall emissions were North Dakota, Idaho, South Dakota, Nebraska, Texas, and Mississippi.