In some embodiments provided herein are processes for controlling carbon dioxide output levels coming from an oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) process. Carbon dioxide output from an ODH process includes that produced in the ODH reaction and carry over when carbon dioxide is used as an inert diluent. Under certain circumstances carbon dioxide can also be consumed in the ODH process by acting as an oxidizing agent. By varying the amount of steam introduced into the ODH process an operator may alter the degree to which carbon dioxide acts as an oxidizing agent. This in turn allows a level of control in the degree to which carbon dioxide is consumed in the process, effecting overall carbon dioxide output. Minimizing the carbon dioxide output provides an opportunity to limit or eliminate the requirement for release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.