The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy Ranks Maryland 10th on its 2011 Scorecard
Yesterday, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) released its 2011 Scorecard which ranked Maryland 10th , taking into account best practices and leadership in energy efficiency policy and program implementation. This is Maryland's first appearance in the top 10, and it is also one of the six most improved states on the 2011 ACEEE Scorecard.
The ACEEE Scorecard provides a comprehensive assessment of policy and programs that improve energy efficiency in our homes, businesses, industry, and transportation sectors. The Scorecard examines six state energy efficiency policy areas and presents these results in six chapters: (1) utility and public benefits programs and policies; (2) transportation policies; (3) building energy codes; (4) combined heat and power; (5) state government initiatives; and (6) appliance efficiency standards. States can earn up to 50 possible points in these six policy areas combined, with the maximum possible points in each area weighted by the magnitude of its potential energy savings impact.
"I am thrilled that Maryland is being recognized as one of the top ten states and one of the most improved states for energy efficiency," said Malcolm Woolf, director of the Maryland Energy Administration. "As a result of Governor O'Malley's vision in establishing one of the nation's most aggressive energy efficiency goals, Marylanders have already saved over 700,000 MWh of electricity and over $91 million dollars since 2009, and our peak demand program has helped us avoid major blackouts during our record-setting summer heat wave.”
Quote source: http://www.aceee.org/press/2011/10/aceee-massachusetts-overtakes-califo
Rosa Cruz, Deputy Director of Communications and Marketing for the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, writes that:
“The Department of Housing and Community Development is proud to contribute to this effort by helping thousands of families improve their home's energy efficiency through our Weatherization program and retrofit initiatives. Also, in the last year, we've launched "Be SMART" which is a loan program to assist single family homeowners, rental property owners and small businesses in making energy efficient improvements.”
This is exciting and timely news, Maryland, since October is Energy Awareness month! Congratulations to all involved in our state’s efforts to become more energy efficient.
*Photo source: http://www.aceee.org/sector/state-policy/scorecard
