Unlike every other state, Wyoming does not promote
better uses of power

By Michelle Dynes

CHEYENNE - Wyoming ranks at the bottom for states with energy efficient policies. The Cowboy State was the only one that earned a “0″ in every category in the 2008 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard. States could earn a maximum of 50 points for renewable portfolio, emission and appliance standards.

California came in first place with 40.5 points. Alabama scored above Wyoming with a 1.5–point total. The scorecard included programs and policies that went into effect by June of this year.

The report card serves as a resource to point underperforming
states in the right direction, said Max Newbauer, research
staff member for the American Council for an Energy–Efficient
Economy, which issued the scorecard.

But many of Wyoming’s energy undertakings may not have made it
into the report, said Laura Ladd, energy and economics adviser
to Gov. Dave Freudenthal.

Ladd added that she wasn’t sure why the state earned a “0″ for
utility and public efficiency programs.

Nearly every Wyoming utility company offers resident rebates
for energy–efficient appliances or home–energy audits. Most
companies also have money available to help low–income
families replace outdated heating systems or add programmable
thermostats.

Connecticut won the transportation category with strong
emission standards and transit systems, Newbauer said. Tax
rebates or credits for residents who buy hybrid vehicles were
other criteria for states to earn points.

But without any of these policies, Wyoming earned another “0.”

Ladd said state officials do consider transportation and have
ongoing efforts to update the state’s motorpool. Several hybrid
vehicles joined the fleet, and gas–guzzling SUVs could be
replaced with more fuel–efficient sedans.

State officials also promote energy audits for city
municipalities to reduce costs with improved insulation,
windows or heating systems. Last year, the state Legislature
approved matching funds for municipalities to make public
buildings more energy–efficient.

Efforts like these were not graded as part of the scorecard,
Ladd said.

“(Wyoming’s score) is not a reflection of what we are doing
here,” she added.

The state does not have a statewide renewable portfolio
standard like California or Oregon, but 10 percent of all
electricity generated in Wyoming comes from renewable sources.
She added that this is a conservative estimate, since new wind
turbine projects could increase the total.

Ladd said while the energy scorecard is a useful tool, it
doesn’t take into account the ongoing localized solutions to
improve energy efficiency without statewide mandates. For
example, Jackson only buys green power for its residents.

She said energy efficiency is important to lawmakers,
especially when costs continue to rise. She added that
officials must consider efficiency when a 30 percent price hike
would have serious impacts on state budgets.

Michelle Dynes writes for WyomingNews.com