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Council's Report Ranks Florida 19th For Saving Energy

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By RUSSELL RAY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 8, 2008

TAMPA - An energy group based in Washington, D.C., says Florida is doing a lot more than other states to save energy.

In an annual ranking of the most energy-efficient states, Florida was one of the most improved, moving from 29th in 2006 to 19th in 2007.

Gov. Charlie Crist has been preaching energy efficiency since taking office in 2007, signing executive orders and legislation designed to lower greenhouse gas emissions and America's dependency on foreign oil. But the higher ranking stems primarily from a major improvement in Florida's building codes.

The report, compiled by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, gauges states' efforts in eight categories, ranging from research and development to energy-efficiency standards for household appliances.

Of 50 possible points, Florida received 16.

Florida's highest score – seven of a possible eight – was in the building code category.

However, Florida was given a zero in two of the categories: financial incentives and appliance standards.

Reporter Russell Ray can be reached at (813) 259-7870.

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