Ranked for renewable energy, lowest emissions and waste recycled
The U.S. has set a net-zero carbon emission goal for 2050 and a few states are note-worthy in leading the rest of the country in renewable energy generation, low emissions and recycling. Thanks to the ConsumerAffairs Research team, we can recognize the winners and the losers across all 50 states in the race to net-zero, but AEI wants to give an extra shoutout to the three states setting the pace for the nation.
#3 New Hampshire represents the greenest eastern state, producing 72.5% of renewable energy through hydroelectric power, biomass, and wind. Green manufacturing has been a considerable focus in the state, as seen by Stonyfield Organic, which is on track to make its production plant run on 100% renewable energy. The regional renewable energy market is being supported by renewable energy credits (RECs), which are administered by ISO-New England and the New England Power Pool (NEPOOL). This should be great news for companies who are striving to reduce their carbon footprint, supporting renewable energy generation, or are engaging in ESG initiatives. The Granite State is also making renewable energy easier to attain through the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission, New Hampshire Office of Strategic Initiatives, and New Hampshire Electric Co-op.
Carbon Emissions: 1.07 metric tons per capita
Waste Generation: 0.87 tons per person
#2 Oregon creates approximately 70.6% power through renewable energy generation. It also boasts one of the lowest carbon footprints per capita and does so without generating any power from coal. Like many states, Oregon has a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) which requires that 50% of the state’s electricity come from renewable energy sources by 2040. The State Legislature is making this goal attainable by allocating an extra 10 million dollars for the Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program, which can cover up to 40% to 60% of the net cost to install solar or paired solar and storage systems.
Carbon Emissions: 0.97 metric tons per capita
Waste Generation: 1.02 tons per person
Waste Recycled or composted: 46.8%
#1 Washington State leads the charge in renewable power generation, creating 84.3% of electricity from renewable energy sources. A planned hydropower project is projected to generate 1,200 megawatts of electricity, which would be enough to power approximately half a million homes. Many residents have taken advantage of state and federal clean energy incentives via federal tax credits, the WSU Energy Program, Zero Emissions Vehicle Grants, and Washington State production incentive program.
Carbon Emissions: 1.09 metric tons per capita
Waste Generation: 1.29 tons per person
Waste Recycled or Composted: 50%
AEI takes pride in expanding our knowledge of renewable energy industry standards, methodology, and initiatives at the federal, state, and local levels – helping us move toward a greener future. Learn more about our renewable energy services here. Additionally, auditing current building energy usage, calculating carbon emissions and performing solar panel evaluations on property are all services AEI offers in the road to net-zero.
View the ranking of all 50 states on the road to a cleaner future.