The impact of climate change continues unabated, and devastation due to drought, fires, flooding, and severe weather is becoming more pronounced. Crafting policy to combat the effect of climate change remains a challenge due to its connections with energy markets and policy. Addressing this public policy challenge requires an understanding of relationships between energy and environmental outcomes. This inaugural Energy Scorecard for the American States, provides data and a ranking on five criteria that capture different facets of a state’s energy footprint.
- energy assets and production
- economy and energy spending
- diverse energy portfolio
- affordability for residents
- ability to meet electricity needs
- environment and carbon emissions
The top five states with the best ratings for these factors were Illinois, Washington, Oregon,
Colorado, and Pennsylvania with Illinois ranked number one due to its diverse energy portfolio
and service-based economy. The bottom five states were Louisiana, Indiana, Mississippi,
Kentucky, and Missouri. Kentucky and Missouri are both ranked 49, but for different reasons.
Kentucky ranked poorly for inefficient energy use, an unbalanced portfolio and carbon–intensive
economy, whereas Missouri ranked 49th for its lack of energy assets, unbalanced portfolio and high
energy costs for households. It is hoped that the states will use these rankings to assess and reflect
on their own performance and identify ways to improve their natural environments and wellbeing
of citizens.