California Rises to the Top as One of the Most Energy Efficient States
In a dramatic photo finish, California and Massachusetts both captured the top spot in the 10th edition of the 2016 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard published by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). The Golden State last held the title in 2010.
"To reduce greenhouse gas emissions from building energy consumption, California's highest priority is energy efficiency,” said California Energy Commissioner Andrew McAllister. “California continues to prove that using energy wisely is good for both the economy and the environment. A robust and growing clean energy economy enables real people to understand and choose between attractive options that improve their lives and achieve deep energy savings. With the right public-private cooperation and partnerships, we expect even greater things ahead."
The 2016 ACEEE State Scorecard zeroes in on six policy areas in which states pursue energy efficiency: utility and public benefits programs and policies; transportation policies; building energy codes; combined heat and power policies; state government-led initiatives around energy efficiency; and appliance and equipment standards. Transportation and building and appliance standards set California apart from other states.
According the ACEEE report, “California, Massachusetts, and New York are out in front on energy-efficient transportation policies. California's requirements for reducing greenhouse gas emissions have prompted several strategies for smart growth.”
The report also concluded that “California continues to lead the nation in setting appliance standards, having adopted standards for more than 100 products. Within the past year, it became the first state to adopt standards for LEDs and small-diameter directional lamps, and it also updated its standards for HVAC air filters, fluorescent dimming ballasts, and heat pump water chilling packages.”“Massachusetts and California have the most effective energy efficiency initiatives and the healthy competition helps everyone get better,” McAllister added.
