California, Oregon Top List of Efficient States
California tops the list of U.S. states employing energy efficiency to grow their economies while meeting electricity demand, combating global warming and contributing to U.S. energy security, according to a new report released today by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).
California tops the list of U.S. states employing energy efficiency to grow their economies while meeting electricity demand, combating global warming and contributing to U.S. energy security, according to a new report released today by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).
The 2008 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard rated and ranked state-level action on model energy efficiency policies, programs and practices. With California claiming the number one ranking, Idaho rated as the "most improved" state since ACEEE’s first state scorecard report graded state action through 2006.
ACEEE’s state-by-state analysis found that first-place California was followed by Oregon, Connecticut, Vermont, New York, and Washington. Minnesota and Massachusetts tie for seventh place with Wisconsin and New Jersey rounding out the final two spots in the top 10.
The report ranks states on a broad array of energy efficiency policy initiatives, including:
- Utility-sector and public benefits efficiency programs and policies
- Transportation and land use policies
- Building energy codes
- Combined heat and power (CHP)
- Appliance efficiency standards
- Energy efficiency in public buildings and fleets
- Research, development, and deployment (RD&D)
- Financial incentives for efficient technologies
The most improved states since the 2006 scorecard was issued were Idaho (from 25th ranked to 13th ranked), Florida (from 29th to 19th tied), Maryland (from 20th to 12th), Ohio (from 27th to 19th tied), Illinois (from 26th to 19th tied), Louisiana (from 42nd to 35th), Arkansas (from 45th to 38th), and Virginia (from 38th to 32nd).
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