Recession doesn't slow energy-efficiency efforts

A new report from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy shows states are still working toward energy efficiency despite the recession. ACEEE, a nonprofit that is "dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting economic prosperity, energy security, and environmental protection," ranks the top 10 energy-efficient states, plus the District of Columbia, and the 10 that need the most improvement. California ranks No. 1 and Arkansas, Missouri and Louisiana are tied for last. Vermont and Minnesota are the only states not bordering an ocean to make the top 10 (but Minnesota has a coast on Lake Superior).

"By embracing a wide range of cost-effective energy efficiency strategies, the leading states are demonstrating that efficiency is their 'first fuel' to meet energy demands while growing their economies," Maggie Eldridge, ACEEE research associate and the report's lead author, said in a news release. The third annual rankings are based on six policy areas: utility-sector and public benefits programs and policies, transportation polices, building energy codes, combined heat and power, state government initiatives and appliance efficiency standards.

Also included in the report is the list of states that showed strong improvement between 2008 and 2009, including Maine, Colorado, Delaware, South Dakota and Tennessee. Speaking about why the recession hasn't slowed states' efforts, ACEEE Executive Director Steven Nadel said: "Energy efficiency is the only resource that can actually reduce energy consumption while growing the economy – making efficiency the ‘first fuel’ states can use to balance their energy portfolios." (Read more)

Where does your state rank? You can see the full report here. (free registration required)