Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon and Washington continue to rank among the most energy-efficient states in the country – but other states are catching up, according to the latest scorecard from the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.

This year, Oregon ranked fourth in the country – down from its number two rating a year ago.

Washington also slipped, from sixth a year ago, to seventh this year.

Report co-author, Maggie Eldridge, says the Pacific Northwest continues to be strong – but other states are improving efficiency, as well.

Maggie Eldridge:  “We continue to see the bar raised, each year. It’s been an encouraging sign that we are seeing an average increase in each state’s score.”

Eldridge says the ratings reward states for programs that are in place and are actually saving energy, not for proposals or plans.

California has repeated as number one in energy efficiency. Idaho ranked 13th last year, and is rated number 20, this time.