The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) recently released a comprehensive ranking of state-level energy efficiency policies. The State Energy Efficiency Scorecard for 2006 graded the 50 states and the District of Columbia based on actions each has taken in the race to adopt energy efficiency policies, programs and technologies.
Past versions of the ACEEE Scorecard have ranked states on utility-sector energy efficiency spending; however, this report is a new and expanded effort to rank states on a broad array of policy initiatives, including appliance and equipment standards, building energy codes, transportation and land use policies, and other policy innovations that are increasing U.S. energy security while sustaining economic prosperity and protecting the environment.
According to the report, Vermont, Connecticut, and California lead the nation in energy efficiency policy, all tying for the top spot. Rounding out the top ten are Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington, New York, and New Jersey in spots four through eight, respectively, and Rhode Island and Minnesota tying for ninth.
To recognize leadership among the states and identify best practices, ACEEE developed The State Energy Efficiency Scorecard for 2006 as a comprehensive ranking of:
- Fuel economy standards for vehicles
- Energy efficiency resource standards for utilities
- Appliance efficiency standards
- Building energy codes
- Combined heat and power (CHP) technologies
- Smart growth and public transportation policies
- Tax incentives for efficient technologies
- Energy efficiency in public buildings and fleets
The State Energy Efficiency Scorecard for 2006 is available for free download at http://www.aceee.org/pubs/e075.htm
Playback of the webcast of today's Capitol Hill news conference where the ACEEE report was released is available at http://www.aceee.org/ through June.
For more information, see other related ACEEE reports.
- Energy Efficiency and Resource Standards: Experience and Recommendations: http://www.aceee.org/pubs/e063.htm
- The Twin Pillars of Sustainable Energy: Synergies between Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Technology and Policy: http://www.aceee.org/pubs/e074.htm
- Examining the Peak Demand Impacts of Energy Efficiency: A Review of Program Experience and Industry Practices: http://www.aceee.org/pubs/u071.htm
- Potential for Energy Efficiency, Demand Response, and Onsite Renewable Energy to Meet Texas's Growing Electricity Needs: http://www.aceee.org/pubs/e073.htm
