ACEEE’s 2019 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard: How Does Your State Measure Up?

Earlier this month, ACEEE released its 2019 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard report. No idea what that is? The State Energy Efficiency Scorecard ranks the US states on how well they are doing in the energy efficiency space based on a state’s latest policy developments, efforts to save energy, and new opportunities set into motion by governors, state legislators, and regulators.

2019 was a big year for energy efficiency as many legislatures and governors are eager to transition to clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This has become top priority in many states and changes have been noticed nationwide to help them achieve it.

Leaders in the EE Space
States such as Massachusetts, California, and New York continue to take the lead as innovators with advanced model programs. With its impressive three-year efficiency plan announced earlier this year that aims to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050, it is no surprise that Massachusetts has snagged the top slot for the ninth consecutive year. However, other states aren’t too far behind – Nevada, New Mexico, Washington, and Main all adopted 100% clean energy goals alongside plans to ramp up efficiency investment.

Watch out, Massachusetts, you’ve got some competition for the role of Top Dog!

What Actions are Considered?
Across the country, states are taking action to move in a greener direction. Some of the categories ACEEE document many states focusing on include:

• Appliance standards: so far, Washington, Colorado, Hawaii, and Nevada have all created new laws to make sure appliances meet minimum energy efficiency standards. Other states are in the process, having filed bills of similar nature.
• Building energy codes and performance standards: this is a biggie! Since the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code, numerous states have implemented updated codes (Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Illinois, and Ohio) to ensure that all codes for residential and commercial buildings are the most up to date and consider energy efficiency.
• Vehicle efficiency: a whopping 13 states have followed California with their strict vehicle emissions standards – creating their own Zero Emission Vehicle Program to start reducing vehicle miles traveled and the resulting emissions. Imitation is the most flattering form of flattery, California, so great job inspiring others!
• Energy-saving targets: Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, and Nevada all have expanded and intensified their energy efficiency targets for utilities and programs with the hope for future savings and greener thinking.

For more information about how each state received their score, check out the ACEEE press release and full 2019 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard report.