Vt., Conn. and Calif. Top Nation in Energy-Efficient Policies

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) released a ranking of state-level energy efficiency policies, “The State Energy Efficiency Scorecard for 2006” on June 5. Each state and Washington, D.C. was graded on actions they have taken to adopt energy-efficient policies, programs and technologies.

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff June 13, 2007

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) released a ranking of state-level energy efficiency policies, “The State Energy Efficiency Scorecard for 2006” on June 5. Each state and Washington, D.C. was graded on actions they have taken to adopt energy-efficient policies, programs and technologies.

The report says that Vermont, Connecticut and California are tied for the top spot in the nation in energy efficiency policy. Rounding out the top 10 are Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington, New York, and New Jersey in spots four through eight, respectively, and Rhode Island and Minnesota tying for ninth.

This report differs from past versions of the scorecard because it ranks 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.

The report was issued as Congress takes up pending federal energy legislation this month, which is viewed as “a crucial opportunity to adopt energy efficiency policies proven in these top-ranking states to help address perhaps the preeminent public policy concern of our day,” said Maggie Eldridge, ACEEE policy program research assistant who co-authored the report.

The scorecard takes into consideration:

  • 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 here or a hard copy can be purchased for $35 plus $5 postage and handling from ACEEE Publications, 1001 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 801, Washington, D.C. 20036-5525, phone: 202-429-0063, fax: 202-429-0193, e-mail: aceee_publications@aceee.org .