Though Kentucky is still in the bottom half of the list, it was recognized as one of the “most-improved” states.
Indiana, on the other hand, fell the furthest and is currently ranked 40th out of 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy is a D.C.-based non-profit that works to advance energy efficient policies. Energy efficiency is widely seen as one of the best ways to reduce pollution and combat climate change; if you use less energy to produce the same benefits, that’s less coal or natural gas that has to be burned. Common ways of doing this include state and utility-based incentives to reduce energy waste, like using updated appliances and weatherizing homes.
“Energy efficiency can offer billions in savings, lower emissions of carbon dioxide as well as other pollutants, build jobs, a real win-win-win for the country, and of course, provide us with a big down payment on addressing climate change,” U.S. Department of Energy Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency Kathleen Hogan said during a conference call to announce this year’s ACEEE rankings.
