Minnesota Ranks 6th in Green Responses to Climate Change
According to Consumer Affairs, Minnesota ranks sixth among states that are doing the most to combat the climate crisis. Washington, Oregon, and New Hampshire are the “greenest” states due to their heavy reliance on renewable sources of energy and low carbon emissions.
Over the last decade, Minnesota has more than doubled renewable energy generation, largely thanks to wind energy. At the same time, nuclear power generation remains relatively flat. Today, Minnesota is one of the top states in wind power generation. Most of the wind farms are located in the state’s southwestern prairies.
In addition to wind, the report indicates, Minnesota’s main sources of electricity are solar energy, hydropower and biomass. Minnesota is also one of the top ethanol-producing states from cornfields.
- Renewable power generation: 55.7%
- Carbon emissions: 1.69 metric tons per capita
- Waste generation: 1.07 tons per person
- Waste recycled or composted: 48.7%
- Clean energy incentives: Minnesota Department of Commerce
In comparison, Washington state:
- Renewable power generation: 84.3%
- Carbon emissions: 1.09 metric tons per capita
- Waste generation: 1.29 tons per person
- Waste recycled or composted: 50%
- Clean energy incentives:WSU Energy Program, zero emission vehicle grants, Washington State production incentive program
Oregon:
- Renewable power generation: 70.6%
- Carbon emissions: 0.97 metric tons per capita
- Waste generation: 1.02 tons per person
- Waste recycled or composted: 46.8%
- Clean energy incentives: Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program, Biomass Tax Credits
The eastern state of New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine rank just above Minnesota. California ranks 7th:
- Renewable power generation: 52.2%
- Carbon emissions: 0.95 metric tons per capita
- Waste generation: 1.76 tons per person
- Waste recycled or composted: 53.4%
- Clean energy incentives: California Department of Tax and Fee Administration and the California Energy Commission
South Dakota ranks 8th, with the highest percentage of renewable power generation in the U.S. More than four-fifths of electricity generated in the state is supplied by renewable resources, mostly from hydropower and wind.
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