States doing the most for a clean energy future
States doing the most for a clean energy future
If the pace of greenhouse gas emissions continues, climate change will endanger people around the world. Within the U.S., . Some of these changes have already begun.
While the U.S. faces many of climate change's biggest threats, it's also uniquely positioned to do something about it—the U.S. Department of Energy reports that the country . For many state lawmakers, this is a call to arms. They've begun to lower their states' emissions and infuse their grids with renewable energy. Others have been slow to change. Political disagreements, fear of cost, and other pressing policy issues can take precedence over ensuring a clean energy future.
In order to rank all 50 states and D.C. by their efforts to run on clean energy, Â鶹Դ´ consulted data from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) . ACEEE ranked the states on their local policies in six areas: state government, utilities, transportation, heat and power, building energy efficiency, and appliance standards.
Many states incorporated cleaner energy across the board, despite working under a federal government that has been moving policy in the opposite direction. The Trump Administration has taken steps to , for example; meanwhile, states like California have . Many states have improved their energy efficiency. Others have built new systems to capture renewable energy, like .
Every state has room to cut back on its energy waste and transition to renewables—even Massachusetts, the highest-ranking state, which still than other states.
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#51. Wyoming
- Overall score: 4.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 2 (out of 5; 1.5 points below national median)
- Buildings score: 0 (out of 8; 5 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 0 (out of 4; 1.5 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 1 (out of 20; 4 points below national median)
- Transportation score: 1.5 (out of 10; 1.5 points below national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
Wyoming is the epitome of coal country. As the nation’s , the state’s transition to renewable energy would mean a dramatic change in the way of life for its citizens. Wyoming lawmakers are preventing such a change through laws like the , which incentivizes coal fire plant owners and potential buyers to keep these plants up and running.
#49. North Dakota (tie)
- Overall score: 5.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 0.5 (out of 5; 3 points below national median)
- Buildings score: 3 (out of 8; 2 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 0.5 (out of 4; 1 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 0 (out of 20; 5 points below national median)
- Transportation score: 1.5 (out of 10; 1.5 points below national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
The Dakota Access Pipeline, which per day, became famous when protesters on Standing Rock Sioux reservation tried to halt its construction in 2016. This pipeline is just a small part of the state’s petroleum boom: During the past decade, North Dakota has by more than six times. Not only does the state’s economy rely heavily on this non-renewable energy—the state’s utilities , accounting for its low ranking.
#49. West Virginia (tie)
- Overall score: 5.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 1 (out of 5; 2.5 points below national median)
- Buildings score: 3 (out of 8; 2 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 0.5 (out of 4; 1 points below national median)
- Utilities score: -0.5 (out of 20; 5.5 points below national median)
- Transportation score: 1.5 (out of 10; 1.5 points below national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
From West Virginia’s windy mountains to its rivers, the state has huge renewable energy potential. It in favor of coal. The state’s clean energy policies have stagnated too. recently, which caused the state’s utilities score to dip below zero.
#46. Kansas (tie)
- Overall score: 7.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 1.5 (out of 5; 2 points below national median)
- Buildings score: 3.5 (out of 8; 1.5 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 0.5 (out of 4; 1 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 0.5 (out of 20; 4.5 points below national median)
- Transportation score: 1.5 (out of 10; 1.5 points below national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
Kansas of its energy from wind, which is the most of any state. Where it leads on wind, though, it falls behind in other clean energy sectors. For instance, it for solar power, which is as great as Florida’s.
#46. Louisiana (tie)
- Overall score: 7.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 2.5 (out of 5; 1 points below national median)
- Buildings score: 2 (out of 8; 3 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 1 (out of 4; 0.5 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 0.5 (out of 20; 4.5 points below national median)
- Transportation score: 1.5 (out of 10; 1.5 points below national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
In Erath, La., 13 natural gas pipelines — the nation's busiest natural gas center. The pipes carry gas throughout the state and country, establishing Louisiana as a key player in the natural gas industry. Although non-profits after Hurricane Katrina, and companies have begun in the state, it continues to fall behind in clean energy.
#46. South Dakota (tie)
- Overall score: 7.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 0.5 (out of 5; 3 points below national median)
- Buildings score: 3.5 (out of 8; 1.5 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 0.5 (out of 4; 1 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 2.5 (out of 20; 2.5 points below national median)
- Transportation score: 0.5 (out of 10; 2.5 points below national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
Updating dishwashers, sealing the air space below doors, and switching to LED lights—these types of changes may not seem like a big deal, but they’re how South Dakota has made its biggest strides toward energy efficiency. The state’s utility companies to people who make these energy-saving changes. The state lags behind in most other areas, like transportation and utilities.
#44. Mississippi (tie)
- Overall score: 8 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 2.5 (out of 5; 1 points below national median)
- Buildings score: 1.5 (out of 8; 3.5 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 0.5 (out of 4; 1 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 1.5 (out of 20; 3.5 points below national median)
- Transportation score: 2 (out of 10; 1 points below national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
Although Mississippi , the Grand Gulf Nuclear Power Station, the state continues to rely mostly on natural gas. It has cut back on natural gas consumption through a series of energy-saving projects called the Quick Start program, which . Still, this state has a lot of room for improvement.
#44. Nebraska (tie)
- Overall score: 8 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 2.5 (out of 5; 1 points below national median)
- Buildings score: 4 (out of 8; 1 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 0 (out of 4; 1.5 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 0.5 (out of 20; 4.5 points below national median)
- Transportation score: 1 (out of 10; 2 points below national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
Vast farmlands and extreme weather require a lot of energy, which is why Nebraska is in the nation. These features also give the state great potential for wind-powered electricity. So far, the state has made only modest efforts to and .
#43. Alabama
- Overall score: 9.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 3 (out of 5; 0.5 points below national median)
- Buildings score: 5.5 (out of 8; 0.5 points above national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 0 (out of 4; 1.5 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 0 (out of 20; 5 points below national median)
- Transportation score: 1 (out of 10; 2 points below national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
Alabama’s industry sector makes everything from planes and cars to food and coal, and it all needs to be shipped out to buyers. That’s part of the reason that about a quarter of Alabama’s energy is . While the state has , there’s room to do better.
#41. Alaska (tie)
- Overall score: 10 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 4 (out of 5; 0.5 points above national median)
- Buildings score: 1.5 (out of 8; 3.5 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 1 (out of 4; 0.5 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 1 (out of 20; 4 points below national median)
- Transportation score: 2.5 (out of 10; 0.5 points below national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
For Alaska's vast size, it has a small population—but it uses a lot of energy per person. State legislators tackled this problem in 2010 through a law to 15% by 2020. They never translated this goal into specific regulations, so the state continues to fall short.
#41. South Carolina (tie)
- Overall score: 10 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 3.5 (out of 5; 0 points below national median)
- Buildings score: 3 (out of 8; 2 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 0.5 (out of 4; 1 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 1 (out of 20; 4 points below national median)
- Transportation score: 2 (out of 10; 1 points below national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
South Carolina by not requiring its businesses and citizens to cut back on energy use. But it’s taken some steps toward a greener future: In May, state legislators , which paves the way for more solar power projects. The bill will .
#40. Indiana
- Overall score: 10.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 2 (out of 5; 1.5 points below national median)
- Buildings score: 2.5 (out of 8; 2.5 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 0.5 (out of 4; 1 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 3.5 (out of 20; 1.5 points below national median)
- Transportation score: 2 (out of 10; 1 points below national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
Indiana had been slowly but steadily improving its energy portfolio until 2014. That’s when then-Gov. Mike Pence ended the key initiative, Energizing Indiana—a series of programs that the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission determined had saved the state energy and money.
#39. Oklahoma
- Overall score: 11 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 3 (out of 5; 0.5 points below national median)
- Buildings score: 1.5 (out of 8; 3.5 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 0 (out of 4; 1.5 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 4.5 (out of 20; 0.5 points below national median)
- Transportation score: 2 (out of 10; 1 points below national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
In Oklahoma, electricity and natural gas providers offer a hodgepodge of incentives to help customers up their energy efficiency. These include things like rebates to or . The programs are voluntary, though, and most .
#38. Georgia
- Overall score: 12 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 2 (out of 5; 1.5 points below national median)
- Buildings score: 3.5 (out of 8; 1.5 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 0.5 (out of 4; 1 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 1.5 (out of 20; 3.5 points below national median)
- Transportation score: 4.5 (out of 10; 1.5 points above national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
Georgia underperforms by most energy-efficiency standards, but the state punches above its weight when it comes to transportation. Through the 2012 Complete Streets program, the state . People in the state have in recent years, and many drive electric vehicles.
#37. Montana
- Overall score: 13 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 3 (out of 5; 0.5 points below national median)
- Buildings score: 5 (out of 8; 0 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 1 (out of 4; 0.5 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 3.5 (out of 20; 1.5 points below national median)
- Transportation score: 0.5 (out of 10; 2.5 points below national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
Montana pulls energy from several sources. Even though the state has the nation's largest recoverable coal reserves, it continues to . It received a low score because it fails to .
#36. New Mexico
- Overall score: 13.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 3.5 (out of 5; 0 points below national median)
- Buildings score: 2.5 (out of 8; 2.5 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 1.5 (out of 4; 0 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 4.5 (out of 20; 0.5 points below national median)
- Transportation score: 1.5 (out of 10; 1.5 points below national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
In January, New Mexico’s Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order . It’s the latest in a tradition of government initiatives aimed at making New Mexico greener; however, the state’s transportation and building policies .
#35. Tennessee
- Overall score: 14 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 4.5 (out of 5; 1 points above national median)
- Buildings score: 3 (out of 8; 2 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 1.5 (out of 4; 0 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 1.5 (out of 20; 3.5 points below national median)
- Transportation score: 3.5 (out of 10; 0.5 points above national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
This state is home to the nation’s the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). TVA wields a lot of power over the state’s energy use, since it has the capacity to . That’s why the state takes a big hit any time TVA ends its energy-saving programs, like it did in September 2018, when it . The state makes up for some of these losses through its $37 million EmPower TN initiative to .
#34. Arkansas
- Overall score: 14.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 3.5 (out of 5; 0 points below national median)
- Buildings score: 3 (out of 8; 2 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 0 (out of 4; 1.5 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 7 (out of 20; 2 points above national median)
- Transportation score: 1 (out of 10; 2 points below national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
Arkansas rises above most other Southeastern states in its energy savings. The state’s utility companies have in recent years thanks to incentive programs. Because these programs are voluntary, many large companies and schools opt out, reducing the state’s overall ranking.
#33. Missouri
- Overall score: 15 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 4.5 (out of 5; 1 points above national median)
- Buildings score: 3.5 (out of 8; 1.5 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 1.5 (out of 4; 0 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 3 (out of 20; 2 points below national median)
- Transportation score: 2.5 (out of 10; 0.5 points below national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
The Missouri River meets the Mississippi River in this state, for transporting products, yet the state has made only modest updates to its land transportation. Through the Complete Streets program, the state has .
#29. Kentucky (tie)
- Overall score: 15.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 4.5 (out of 5; 1 points above national median)
- Buildings score: 5 (out of 8; 0 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 1 (out of 4; 0.5 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 3.5 (out of 20; 1.5 points below national median)
- Transportation score: 1.5 (out of 10; 1.5 points below national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
In Kentucky, tensions simmer between the old coal and new clean energy economies. In July, one of the nation's largest coal companies, Blackjewel LLC, declared bankruptcy, and its former employees to demand pay. While Kentucky's transition to clean energy hasn't always been smooth, .
#29. Nevada (tie)
- Overall score: 15.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 4 (out of 5; 0.5 points above national median)
- Buildings score: 3.5 (out of 8; 1.5 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 0.5 (out of 4; 1 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 5 (out of 20; 0 points below national median)
- Transportation score: 2.5 (out of 10; 0.5 points below national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0.5 (out of 3; 0.5 points above national median)
Nevada houses the nation’s , Las Vegas. This may help explain the state’s recent string of laws and investments to bulk up renewables and reduce overall energy use. One of these laws, SB 150, for the state’s utilities and rewards for companies that meet them.
#29. Ohio (tie)
- Overall score: 15.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 4 (out of 5; 0.5 points above national median)
- Buildings score: 3 (out of 8; 2 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 1.5 (out of 4; 0 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 6 (out of 20; 1 points above national median)
- Transportation score: 1 (out of 10; 2 points below national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
Ohio’s legislators pose the biggest obstacle to a clean energy future for the state. In July, they passed a bill that will . This comes after a couple of years of .
#29. Wisconsin (tie)
- Overall score: 15.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 3.5 (out of 5; 0 points below national median)
- Buildings score: 3 (out of 8; 2 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 1.5 (out of 4; 0 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 7 (out of 20; 2 points above national median)
- Transportation score: 0.5 (out of 10; 2.5 points below national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
In August, Wisconsin’s Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order 38, to run on only carbon-free sources by the year 2050. Some of Wisconsin’s energy companies , but Republican legislators in the state have in the past, and may push back again.
#26. Idaho (tie)
- Overall score: 16 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 3 (out of 5; 0.5 points below national median)
- Buildings score: 5.5 (out of 8; 0.5 points above national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 0.5 (out of 4; 1 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 5.5 (out of 20; 0.5 points above national median)
- Transportation score: 1.5 (out of 10; 1.5 points below national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
Idaho , which is the second-highest amount in the nation. It also to people who use energy efficiently, with a special focus on rural areas. The state has room to improve its clean energy reputation in areas like transportation, however.
#26. North Carolina (tie)
- Overall score: 16 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 3.5 (out of 5; 0 points below national median)
- Buildings score: 4.5 (out of 8; 0.5 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 1.5 (out of 4; 0 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 3 (out of 20; 2 points below national median)
- Transportation score: 3.5 (out of 10; 0.5 points above national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
In the past decade, North Carolina has far outpaced other Southern states in . Nationwide, it's beat out by only two other states. By focusing on efficiency standards and incentive programs, this state could make a lot of progress toward ensuring a clean energy future.
#26. Virginia (tie)
- Overall score: 16 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 4.5 (out of 5; 1 points above national median)
- Buildings score: 6 (out of 8; 1 points above national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 0 (out of 4; 1.5 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 0.5 (out of 20; 4.5 points below national median)
- Transportation score: 5 (out of 10; 2 points above national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
In 2018, Virginia’s legislature by passing the Grid Transformation and Security Act, which will require utility companies to . Big energy-users in the state can opt out of these types of programs, which drags down the state’s overall score.
#25. Texas
- Overall score: 16.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 4 (out of 5; 0.5 points above national median)
- Buildings score: 7 (out of 8; 2 points above national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 1.5 (out of 4; 0 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 1 (out of 20; 4 points below national median)
- Transportation score: 3 (out of 10; 0 points below national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
As the nation’s , Texas’s economy is wrapped up in non-renewable energy. But it has found other ways to move the needle. The state has .
#24. Iowa
- Overall score: 17 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 1.5 (out of 5; 2 points below national median)
- Buildings score: 5 (out of 8; 0 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 1.5 (out of 4; 0 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 7 (out of 20; 2 points above national median)
- Transportation score: 2 (out of 10; 1 points below national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
In 2018, Iowa legislators passed Senate File 2311, which . These changes are expected to undo some of the state’s progress toward a clean future; however, energy-efficient building codes continue to .
#23. Florida
- Overall score: 17.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 4 (out of 5; 0.5 points above national median)
- Buildings score: 5.5 (out of 8; 0.5 points above national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 0.5 (out of 4; 1 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 2 (out of 20; 3 points below national median)
- Transportation score: 5.5 (out of 10; 2.5 points above national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
The Sunshine State . Where it shines is in reducing the amount of energy used for transportation. By to this area, the state has made improvements to transit systems and has planned its land use to support efficient transportation.
#22. Delaware
- Overall score: 18.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 4 (out of 5; 0.5 points above national median)
- Buildings score: 5 (out of 8; 0 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 1.5 (out of 4; 0 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 2.5 (out of 20; 2.5 points below national median)
- Transportation score: 5.5 (out of 10; 2.5 points above national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
Delaware has a reputation for greening up its energy portfolio. It was an early adopter of the cap-and-trade system to reduce carbon emissions when it . The state has fallen behind in the ranks due to inconsistent funding for efficient utilities programs.
#21. New Hampshire
- Overall score: 19.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 3.5 (out of 5; 0 points below national median)
- Buildings score: 3.5 (out of 8; 1.5 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 1.5 (out of 4; 0 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 9 (out of 20; 4 points above national median)
- Transportation score: 2 (out of 10; 1 points below national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
New Hampshire , but recent efforts to bump up that portion have fallen short. A proposed transmission line to carry hydropower into the state from Canada was recently . Still, the state in its public utilities and invests in renewables.
#20. Utah
- Overall score: 21 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 4 (out of 5; 0.5 points above national median)
- Buildings score: 5 (out of 8; 0 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 1 (out of 4; 0.5 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 7.5 (out of 20; 2.5 points above national median)
- Transportation score: 3.5 (out of 10; 0.5 points above national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
Utah usually stands out among Southwest states for its energy efficiency but has seen some recent setbacks to building a clean energy portfolio. Both crude oil and coal production for the first time in three years. In 2018, one of the state’s major utility companies, Rocky Mountain Power, .
#18. New Jersey (tie)
- Overall score: 21.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 1.5 (out of 5; 2 points below national median)
- Buildings score: 5.5 (out of 8; 0.5 points above national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 1.5 (out of 4; 0 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 6.5 (out of 20; 1.5 points above national median)
- Transportation score: 6.5 (out of 10; 3.5 points above national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
In 2018, New Jersey took a big step to set itself up for clean energy—it passed the Renewable Energy bill, which . It also set aside money to support renewable energy and placed stronger energy-efficiency standards on public utilities.
#18. Pennsylvania (tie)
- Overall score: 21.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 3 (out of 5; 0.5 points below national median)
- Buildings score: 7 (out of 8; 2 points above national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 2.5 (out of 4; 1 points above national median)
- Utilities score: 3.5 (out of 20; 1.5 points below national median)
- Transportation score: 5.5 (out of 10; 2.5 points above national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
In January, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf including several policies to offset the state’s contributions to climate change. The law commits the state to cutting back greenhouse gas emissions 80% by the year 2050. It also promises to add more renewable energy to the state’s portfolio and to replace some of the state’s car fleet with electric vehicles.
#17. Arizona
- Overall score: 22 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 2.5 (out of 5; 1 points below national median)
- Buildings score: 3 (out of 8; 2 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 1.5 (out of 4; 0 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 10.5 (out of 20; 5.5 points above national median)
- Transportation score: 4.5 (out of 10; 1.5 points above national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
Arizona's Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station than anywhere else in the nation. Through energy-efficiency programs, public utilities have managed to save a large proportion of its energy production relative to other states. It could do more to tighten up energy use in public buildings and cars.
#16. Hawaii
- Overall score: 23 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 2.5 (out of 5; 1 points below national median)
- Buildings score: 4.5 (out of 8; 0.5 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 1 (out of 4; 0.5 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 11 (out of 20; 6 points above national median)
- Transportation score: 4 (out of 10; 1 points above national median)
- Appliance standards score: 1.5 (out of 3; 1.5 points above national median)
Many states have committed to run completely on renewable energy in the coming decades. Hawaii became the first to make such a commitment in 2014, when it by 2045. The promise was part of the state’s Clean Energy Initiative, which has been for more than a decade.
#14. Colorado (tie)
- Overall score: 25.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 5 (out of 5; 1.5 points above national median)
- Buildings score: 5.5 (out of 8; 0.5 points above national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 1 (out of 4; 0.5 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 8.5 (out of 20; 3.5 points above national median)
- Transportation score: 4.5 (out of 10; 1.5 points above national median)
- Appliance standards score: 2 (out of 3; 2 points above national median)
Colorado’s legislature pushed out a long list of clean energy legislation early this year. The policies make changes ranging from . Through policies like these, the legislature lays the groundwork for a cleaner energy portfolio.
#14. Maine (tie)
- Overall score: 25.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 4 (out of 5; 0.5 points above national median)
- Buildings score: 3 (out of 8; 2 points below national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 3.5 (out of 4; 2 points above national median)
- Utilities score: 9.5 (out of 20; 4.5 points above national median)
- Transportation score: 5.5 (out of 10; 2.5 points above national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
Maine’s residents can access loans, rebates, and other financial incentives to help them through a program called Efficiency Maine. The program is Maine’s attempt to reconcile two competing interests: big energy savings goals and a lot of low-income residents. Funding for the program has been , though, which cuts back on possible energy savings.
#12. District of Columbia (tie)
- Overall score: 27.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 3.5 (out of 5; 0 points below national median)
- Buildings score: 6 (out of 8; 1 points above national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 1.5 (out of 4; 0 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 8.5 (out of 20; 3.5 points above national median)
- Transportation score: 8 (out of 10; 5 points above national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
In 2018, the District of Columbia passed legislation for a Green Bank—a pot of public money used to in the district. For instance, the money can be loaned to a company to retrofit buildings with solar panels. With state funding backing projects, the hope is that investors will add some of their own money to the projects, viewing them as less risky.
#12. Illinois (tie)
- Overall score: 27.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 3.5 (out of 5; 0 points below national median)
- Buildings score: 6 (out of 8; 1 points above national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 3.5 (out of 4; 2 points above national median)
- Utilities score: 9.5 (out of 20; 4.5 points above national median)
- Transportation score: 5 (out of 10; 2 points above national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
In 2016, Illinois called the Future Energy Jobs Act. Among the changes the act brought about, it . The act was , and is now up and running.
#11. Michigan
- Overall score: 28.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 4 (out of 5; 0.5 points above national median)
- Buildings score: 5.5 (out of 8; 0.5 points above national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 1.5 (out of 4; 0 points below national median)
- Utilities score: 13.5 (out of 20; 8.5 points above national median)
- Transportation score: 4 (out of 10; 1 points above national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
In Michigan, when someone pays to register their car, the state . It’s part of the Michigan Comprehensive Transportation Fund, which was passed in 1951 and demonstrates the state’s long history of managing its energy use. Modern strategies that include stricter residential building codes and energy-efficiency programs run by gas and electricity companies.
#10. Maryland
- Overall score: 30 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 4.5 (out of 5; 1 points above national median)
- Buildings score: 6 (out of 8; 1 points above national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 4 (out of 4; 2.5 points above national median)
- Utilities score: 8.5 (out of 20; 3.5 points above national median)
- Transportation score: 7 (out of 10; 4 points above national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
Every year, Maryland towns can . If the community shows it has adopted policies to promote energy efficiency or renewable energy, or to reduce petroleum consumption, it is awarded grant money. This is one of several efforts Maryland uses to enhance clean energy throughout the state.
#9. Washington
- Overall score: 31.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 5 (out of 5; 1.5 points above national median)
- Buildings score: 6.5 (out of 8; 1.5 points above national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 2.5 (out of 4; 1 points above national median)
- Utilities score: 10.5 (out of 20; 5.5 points above national median)
- Transportation score: 7 (out of 10; 4 points above national median)
- Appliance standards score: 2 (out of 3; 2 points above national median)
Washington is powered by water. Not only is hydropower the state’s greatest source of energy, it also thanks to its river-woven landscape. This renewable energy source combines with state policies in government buildings, utility companies, and transportation to give Washington a high clean energy score.
#8. Minnesota
- Overall score: 32 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 5 (out of 5; 1.5 points above national median)
- Buildings score: 6 (out of 8; 1 points above national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 2.5 (out of 4; 1 points above national median)
- Utilities score: 14.5 (out of 20; 9.5 points above national median)
- Transportation score: 4 (out of 10; 1 points above national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
Minnesota’s state government is on a clean energy trajectory thanks to a series of state programs. Non-profit organizations, local governments, and schools can to update their their buildings or to run an audit to identify potential areas for improving energy use. The state also funds research into new energy-saving technology.
#7. Oregon
- Overall score: 35 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 5 (out of 5; 1.5 points above national median)
- Buildings score: 6.5 (out of 8; 1.5 points above national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 2.5 (out of 4; 1 points above national median)
- Utilities score: 12 (out of 20; 7 points above national median)
- Transportation score: 8 (out of 10; 5 points above national median)
- Appliance standards score: 1 (out of 3; 1 points above national median)
In Oregon, if you buy a zero-emission vehicle, the government will pay you back for part of it. The program is one part of major transportation act the state passed in 2017, which uses taxes on things like income and gas to . While Oregon stands out for its green transportation policy, it has also that bump up its spot in the rankings.
#6. New York
- Overall score: 35.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 4.5 (out of 5; 1 points above national median)
- Buildings score: 6.5 (out of 8; 1.5 points above national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 3.5 (out of 4; 2 points above national median)
- Utilities score: 12.5 (out of 20; 7.5 points above national median)
- Transportation score: 8.5 (out of 10; 5.5 points above national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has been directing . In 2018, he announced lofty goals for the program to further improve the state’s energy efficiency. For example, he has by the year 2025.
#5. Connecticut
- Overall score: 38 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 5 (out of 5; 1.5 points above national median)
- Buildings score: 7 (out of 8; 2 points above national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 2.5 (out of 4; 1 points above national median)
- Utilities score: 15 (out of 20; 10 points above national median)
- Transportation score: 7.5 (out of 10; 4.5 points above national median)
- Appliance standards score: 1 (out of 3; 1 points above national median)
Connecticut’s economy relative to most other states. It’s expected to become even more efficient because of new building and fire codes that . These codes tightened energy-efficiency requirements for new homes and commercial buildings.
#4. Vermont
- Overall score: 40.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 5 (out of 5; 1.5 points above national median)
- Buildings score: 6.5 (out of 8; 1.5 points above national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 2 (out of 4; 0.5 points above national median)
- Utilities score: 18.5 (out of 20; 13.5 points above national median)
- Transportation score: 6.5 (out of 10; 3.5 points above national median)
- Appliance standards score: 2 (out of 3; 2 points above national median)
Vermont called an Energy Efficiency Utility (EEU) in the year 1999. The program, called Efficiency Vermont, . Since the start of Vermont’s EEU, the state has continued to pass clean energy policy. It recently —a step that relatively few states have taken.
#3. Rhode Island
- Overall score: 41 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 5 (out of 5; 1.5 points above national median)
- Buildings score: 5.5 (out of 8; 0.5 points above national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 4 (out of 4; 2.5 points above national median)
- Utilities score: 20 (out of 20; 15 points above national median)
- Transportation score: 6.5 (out of 10; 3.5 points above national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
The nation’s first offshore wind farm began in 2017. While the state leads the nation in this renewable energy source, most progress within the state has been made through energy-efficiency programs. These programs, carried out mostly by investor-owned utility companies, have .
#2. California
- Overall score: 43.5 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 5 (out of 5; 1.5 points above national median)
- Buildings score: 7.5 (out of 8; 2.5 points above national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 4 (out of 4; 2.5 points above national median)
- Utilities score: 15 (out of 20; 10 points above national median)
- Transportation score: 9 (out of 10; 6 points above national median)
- Appliance standards score: 3 (out of 3; 3 points above national median)
California is known for being ahead of the curve when it comes to clean energy policy—often involving transportation. It in 2004 and has been steadily increasing the standards ever since. Meanwhile, other states have followed suit. In 2018, it to speed up the nation's use of zero-emissions cars.
#1. Massachusetts
- Overall score: 44 (out of 50 points)
- State government score: 5 (out of 5; 1.5 points above national median)
- Buildings score: 6.5 (out of 8; 1.5 points above national median)
- Combined heat and power score: 4 (out of 4; 2.5 points above national median)
- Utilities score: 20 (out of 20; 15 points above national median)
- Transportation score: 8.5 (out of 10; 5.5 points above national median)
- Appliance standards score: 0 (out of 3; 0 points below national median)
Massachusetts' soaring renewable energy and efficiency targets have pushed it to the top-ranking spot. Across the board, the state has . More recently, it has dedicated $220 million to updating the power grid, which is expected to pay off in even more energy savings.
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