# Energy State: Best and Worst Green 2023

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/05/energy-state-best-worst-2023/
- Published: 2023-05-05T19:12:19-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Introduction to Energy State ranks

Let’s talk best and [worst](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/06/states-oil-dependence-ranking-vulnerable-areas/)
states 2023. I mean the green movement is gaining [momentum](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/02/energy-gamification-industry-gone-efficiency-savings/)
around the world. Especially as more people become aware of the impact of climate
change. For the demand for sustainable solutions is increasing. In the United States,
some states are leading the way. That’s in implementing green policies and also 
practices. Moreover with a focus. Especially on reducing carbon emissions. Finally
and promoting renewable energy.

![Energy State. Green cities](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2018/10/pexels-photo-830891.jpeg?resize=300%2C200&quality=52&ssl=1)

Photo by Philipp Birmes on [Pexels.com](https://www.pexels.com/photo/low-angle-photo-of-four-high-rise-curtain-wall-buildings-under-white-clouds-and-blue-sky-830891/)

[WalletHub](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/09/aceee-report-and-webinar-us-states-lead-on-energy-efficiency-in-2019/),
a personal finance website also recently conducted a study. All to determine the
[greenest states](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/05/30-of-the-greenest-cities-on-the-planet/)
in the country. The study took into account factors. For that’s such as air and 
water quality. As well as energy [efficiency](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/08/energy-programs-can-help-low-income-customers-keep-the-lights-on/).
Finally and the percentage of renewable energy consumption.

### Study Results

Here are some of the key findings of the study:

 1. Vermont is the greenest state in the country. That’s with high scores in air quality,
    water quality, and [energy efficiency](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/04/energy-efficiency-doesnt-have-to-cost-you-a-lot-of-time-or-money/).
    The [state has also set](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/07/penn-state-clean-lithium-sets-new-industry-standards/)
    a goal of reaching 100% renewable energy by 2025.
 2. Massachusetts ranks second on the list. That’s with a strong focus on reducing 
    carbon emissions. Moreover and promoting energy efficiency. The [state has implemented a number](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/10/state-energy-scorecard-how-states-are-ranked/)
    of policies. Especially to incentivize the use of renewable energy. For that’s 
    such as a [solar](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/01/what-type-of-residential-solar-is-best-for-your-home/)
    panel rebate program.
 3. California, a [leader in renewable energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/09/saxony-anhalt-energy-leader-in-renewable-power/).
    For it ranks third on the list. For the state has set a goal of reaching 100% [clean energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/10/four-states-collaborate-to-build-the-lake-michigan-lake-chargers-electric-tour-an-iconic-ev-road-trip/)
    by 2045. In addition i has implemented a number of policies to promote the use 
    of electric vehicles.
 4. Rhode Island, known for its [commitment to renewable energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/05/master-print-earns-green-e-marketplace-certification-for-clean-energy-commitment/).
    Now it ranks fourth on the list. The state has set a goal of reaching 100% [renewable energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/11/solar-power-energy-surges-transforming-red-states/)
    by 2030. For it has implemented a number of [policies to promote energy efficiency](https://greenlivingguy.com/2006/04/bush-reportedly-regrets-global-warming-energy-policy-decisions/).
    Finally and reduce carbon emissions.
 5. Oregon, with its focus on reducing [carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/05/cost-of-carbon-analysis-for-future-energy-policies/).
    For it also ranks fifth on the list. The state has set a goal of [reaching 50% renewable energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/05/forecasting-renewable-energy-reaching-700-gw-by-2030/)
    by 2040. Moreover and has implemented a number of policies. Especially to incentivize
    the use of electric vehicles.

In addition, the study also found a correlation. For it shows that [States with higher green](https://greenlivingguy.com/2026/01/state-and-local-green-grants-drive-community-transformation/)
scores are doing better. Meaning they tend to have higher median household incomes.
Moreover and higher levels of education. This suggests that there is a correlation.
I mean between green policies and economic prosperity.

#### Conclusion

Energy efficiency strategies, or “greening the grid”, are a foundation of any energy
strategy. Energy efficiency is much more than a means to an end: it is a strategy
that can improve the [sustainability and resilience of a community’s](https://greenlivingguy.com/2008/08/eco-communities-life-living-the-green-life/)
economy. All the while also helping to [reduce carbon emissions](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/06/states-oil-dependence-ranking-vulnerable-areas/)
and climate change impacts.

As consumers, we all want lower prices and more [energy-efficient](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/05/transitioning-into-green-living-3-ideas-for-where-to-start/)
products. As businesses, we want to use less [energy and more efficiently](https://greenlivingguy.com/2008/04/epa-energy-efficiency-green-grid-join-forces/)
than our competitors. And as governments, we want to create a clean, [renewable energy future](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/concord-city-renewable-energy-for-a-sustainable-future/).
Especially for our communities.

Energy efficiency rebates and incentives are a major part of making [energy efficiency work](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/02/plant-power-energy-storage-off-grid-plant-works/)
at the local level. The most successful programs are ones that provide both financial
incentives and technical assistance. Rebates, for example, take money that would
otherwise go toward utility bills and redirect them to eescrowsers, insulation and
other items that [save money and energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/11/smart-tech-saves-energy-for-a-greener-future/).

The best way to get rebates is to make sure your utility is already providing incentives
for [energy efficiency](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/05/gridpoint-and-pso-partnership-optimizing-energy-for-smbs/).
Once you have a utility that produces an energy savings performance report, talk
to your utility about [energy efficiency rebates](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/12/how-to-make-use-of-energy-efficiency-rebates/).

The best way to get technical assistance is to hold a public workshop and seek input
from the community. Find out if there are energy efficiency rebates available through
your utility. If there aren’t, ask your local utility if they can help you develop
a plan to get them.
 Get involved in energy efficiency talks with your utility and
other stakeholders. Work together to identify [energy savings opportunities, find funding sources, and develop a shared vision of energy efficiency as a local community](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/11/kingsfield-solar-renewable-energy-for-the-military-community/)
priority. Involvement in your community’s [energy efficiency efforts](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/11/new-england-heat-pumps-a-collaborative-climate-effort/)
will help you be able to implement energy efficiency strategies at the local level.

Source: [WalletHub](https://wallethub.com/edu/greenest-states/11987)