Who Tops the State Energy Efficiency Scoreboard?
In the effort to be more eco-friendly, each state has implemented its own green practices and policies with varying degrees of success. The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy recently released the top ranking states in terms of energy efficiency and overall environmental stewardship. The state energy efficiency scoreboard currently looks like this:
- Massachusetts
- California
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island (tie 5th)
- Vermont (tie 5th)
- Washington (tie 5th)
- Connecticut (tie 8th)
- Minnesota (tie 8th)
- Maryland
Michigan received the most improved award while North Dakota was dead last in the rankings. The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy determined the state energy efficiency scoreboard by evaluating eight different criteria, such as alternative energy business practices, ecosustainable city laws, transportation and land policies, building energy codes, financial incentives, research and development, building energy codes, and utility sector programs. Quite interesting is the fact that California almost leads the state energy efficiency scoreboard though is in such dire financial peril that the state is virtually bankrupt. Many people opposed to green practices point to this fact saying this proves the green movement has been made too big of a priority while other problems have been ignored. Whether these claims are true remains to be seen, but either way the green movement will continue to press forward. Despite a down economy, the alternative energy business is booming and the first ecosustainable city will someday be a reality. Until then, each state is making it a bigger priority to climb the state energy efficiency scoreboard.
The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.
16 Nov 2009