Utah ranks No. 25 for its eco efforts

A group that advocates energy independence ranks Utah as a middling No. 25 among the states and District of Columbia for efforts to combat global warming and contribute to U.S. energy security.

Utah's rank this year is up from No. 27 two years ago, according to a report card issued Monday by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.

But the change is relatively little upward movement, considering that Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. took steps such as ordering a four-day workweek for state employees to save energy. He also riled conservatives by signing on to the Western Climate Initiative pushed by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger that sets goals for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions to ease global warming.

Meanwhile, California finished No. 1 in the new rankings, followed by Oregon and Connecticut. Idaho was listed as the most improved state, moving from No. 25 to No. 13.

"The top-ranked states are demonstrating great leadership in promoting energy independence with cost-effective energy-efficiency investments," said Maggie Eldridge, the report's author.

"By setting innovative policies and programs that help consumers save energy, states are using energy efficiency as the first line of defense against rising energy prices, while increasing our nation's energy security, fostering economic prosperity and combating global warming."

The new report card graded states in eight areas.

Utah received all the points possible in the "state leads by example in facilities and fleets" category. But Utah received the worst possible scores in such categories as "transportation," "appliance standards," "research, development and deployment" and "financial and information incentives."

Overall, Utah received a score of 15 out of a possible 50. California scored 40.5 points. Wyoming had the lowest score among the states — a zero.

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E-mail: lee@desnews.com

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