California has the best energy efficiency record among the 50 U.S. states, according to a new report by the Washington-based American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE). ACEEE's State Energy Efficiency Scorecard ranked each state by how well their energy efficiency policies, programs and practices allowed them to continue economic growth, meet electrical demand and combat global warming.

Idaho was named "most improved" state after rising from 25th to 13th in the study, which looks at energy efficiency initiatives in a variety of categories, including transportation and land use policies, building energy codes, and appliance efficiency standards. "The top ranked states are demonstrating great leadership in promoting energy independence with cost-effective energy efficiency investments," said Maggie Eldridge, ACEEE research associate, in a statement. "By setting innovative polices 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 complete scorecard is available at www.aceee.org/pubs/e086.htm.

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