Clean and Secure State Energy Actions–2008: A Report on the Clean Energy Activities of the Nation's States and Territories

This report catalogs state clean energy actions according to the following categories:

• Energy Efficiency consists of efforts designed to lower electricity use while maintaining the same level of service. Measures include appliance and/or equipment efficiency standards; state building energy codes; utility demand-side management initiatives; utility rate restructuring; energy savings targets or energy efficient resource requirements; public benefits funds; and financial incentives such as loans, rebates, and tax credits and holidays.
• Clean Electricity consists of state actions to promote the use of clean electricity from renewable or alternative energy sources. Measures include renewable/alternative energy portfolio standards; net metering and interconnection standards; advanced clean coal technology; public benefits funds to promote clean electricity; and incentives such as tax credits, grants, loans, and rebates.
• Alternative Fuels and Vehicles consists of efforts to support the supply, distribution, and production of non-petroleumbased transportation fuel and alternative fuel vehicles. Measures include consumption targets and renewable fuel standards as well as incentives to support the production and distribution of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles, such as tax benefits, loans, grants, and rebates.
• “Lead by Example” Initiatives consist of efforts taken across a range of state government operations to improve energy efficiency and support the use of clean and renewable energy. Measures include energy efficient appliances and equipment purchasing requirements; energy efficiency performance requirements for new and existing public buildings; clean energy purchases; and “green fleets” programs.
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions Activities consist of emissions measurement, planning, and reduction activities. Measures include greenhouse gas registries; emissions reductions targets; utility sector or economy-wide caps; commissions to study the impacts of climate change; climate action plans; and regional initiatives.
• Clean Energy Research, Development & Demonstration includes measures designed to support partnerships or provide funding that significantly contributes to clean energy research, development, and demonstration (RD&D).

Part I of this report provides an overview and highlights from the data collected and includes examples of state actions. Part II contains tables for each state summarizing specific activities.