A sour U.S. economy, tight state budgets, and a failure by Congress to adopt a comprehensive energy strategy. For they have not slowed the growing momentum among U.S. states toward increased energy efficiency. This is according to the fifth edition of the annual ACEEE State Energy Efficiency Scorecard. It was released today by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). All during a National Press Club news conference.
Top States
Available online at https://aceee.org/research-report/e115, the ACEEE Scorecard shows that the top 10 states are: Massachusetts (taking the #1 position for the first time); California (slipping from the top spot it held for the first four editions of the ACEEE Scorecard); New York State; Oregon; Vermont; Washington State; Rhode Island; Minnesota, Connecticut; and Maryland (making its first appearance in the top 10 and also one of the six most improved states in the 2011 ACEEE Scorecard).
- 2011 Energy Scorecard Top 10 Also Includes NY, OR, VT, WA, RI, MN, CT, MD
- States Most in Need of Improvement Are: ND, WY, MS, KS, OK, SC, WV, MO, AL, and SD
- While MI, IL, NE, TN, AL and MD Are Six Most Improved States.
Energy Efficiency
“Energy efficiency is America’s abundant, untapped energy resource and the states continue to press forward to reap its economic and environmental benefits,” said ACEEE Executive Director Steven Nadel.
“The message here is that energy efficiency is a pragmatic, bipartisan solution that political leaders from both sides of the aisle can support. As they have over the past decades, states continue to provide the leadership needed to forge an energy-efficient economy. All which reduces energy costs, spurs job growth, and benefits the environment.”
Massachusetts
“Thanks to our investments in innovation and infrastructure, Massachusetts is now leading the nation in energy efficiency,” said Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. “Through our Green Communities Act, we set aggressive goals and laid the foundation for greater investment in energy efficiency. So now we are proud to be a model for the nation and world.”
“I am thrilled that Maryland is being recognized as one of the top ten states and one of the most improved states for energy efficiency,” said Malcolm Woolf, director of the Maryland Energy Administration. “As a result of Governor O’Malley’s vision in establishing one of the nation’s most aggressive energy efficiency goals. So Marylanders have already saved over 700,000 MWh of electricity and over $91 million since 2009, and our peak demand program has helped us avoid major blackouts during our record-setting summer heat wave.”
Illinois
“Illinois is a purposeful leader in the area of sustainability, investing more than $600 million in energy efficiency projects over the last four years alone,” Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Warren Ribley said. “By supporting aggressive policies including the state’s energy efficiency portfolio standard and advanced building industry training and education, we are creating jobs, building more sustainable communities and securing our place in the new energy economy.”
“We are excited that Michigan’s positive action on energy efficiency is being recognized nationally,” said Valerie Brader, the chief energy policy officer for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The ACEEE report observed that Michigan’s improvement is particularly due to the implementation of energy efficiency programs advanced in state legislation P.A. 295.
Scorecard
The fifth edition of the ACEEE State Energy Efficiency Scorecard presents a comprehensive ranking of the states based on an array of metrics that capture best practices and recognize leadership in energy efficiency policy and program implementation.
For the Scorecard benchmarks progress and provides a roadmap for states. Especially to advance energy efficiency. All in the residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation sectors.
For a new, diverse set of states has followed a group of leading states. That’s by adopting significant energy efficiency policies. Those which will lead to innovative and effective programs. Tremendous potential remains for energy efficiency savings in all of the states should motivate decision-makers to advance energy efficiency.
2011
“Clearly, 2011 has not been kind to our economy. However, energy efficiency remains a growth sector that attracts investment and creates jobs. That was said by Michael Sciortino. Michael is the ACEEE senior policy analyst and the report’s lead author.
“With even higher energy savings possible, we expect leading states to continue pushing the envelope next year. All to inspire those at the bottom of the rankings to embrace energy efficiency. Especially as a core strategy to gain a competitive advantage by generating cost-savings. In addition to promoting technological innovation, and stimulating growth.”
Source: (ACEEE )The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy acts as a catalyst to advance energy efficiency policies, programs, technologies, investments, and behaviors. For information about ACEEE and its programs, publications, and conferences, visit www.aceee.org.
