Currents

An Energy Newsletter for Local Governments

ACEEE “Rates the States” in the New Energy Efficiency Scorecard

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) released a comprehensive ranking of state-level energy efficiency policies. The State Energy Efficiency Scorecard for 2006 graded each state and the District of Columbia on actions they have 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.

“States are leading the nation in mining efficiency as the ‘first fuel’ in the race to solve America’s energy security and global warming challenges,” said ACEEE Acting Executive Director Bill Prindle, and co-author of the Scorecard. “Unless we accelerate the pace of efficiency investment, no clean energy strategy will work.”

“The message that comes from the states’ patchwork approach to energy efficiency standards and practices is that the time is long overdue for the federal government and the nation to get moving to close the gaps in our nation’s energy policy through which our energy security and our efforts to curb global warming are undermined,” Prindle pointed out.

The report, The State Energy Efficiency Scorecard for 2006, is available as a free download or a hard copy can be purchased for $35 plus $5 postage and handling from ACEEE Publications, 529 14th St, N.W., Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20045, phone: 202-507-4000, fax: 202-429-2248, e-mail: aceee_publications@aceee.org.

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