Study Finds Texas is Least Eco-Friendly State in U.S.

SAN ANGELO, TX — A recent study measured the most eco-friendly states in the U.S., and Texas ranked at the bottom of the list.

A research team at Cartridge Save conducted a study on the greenest states in the US. The study analyzed factors such as air and water quality, renewable energy consumption, pounds per capita recycled, GHG Emissions, number of national parks, average commute time by car, registered electric vehicles and proportion of farmland area to determine the rankings. 

Each factor was given a numerical value to determine which states made the most effort to reduce carbon footprint, protect natural resources, and promote a greener way of life for residents.

South Dakota took the top spot with a score of 68.39, followed by Oregon (63.75) and Iowa (63.12).

Texas was in dead last with a score of 24.62, which was nearly 6 points worse than 49th place Utah (30.46).

The comment on Texas read: "Texas is the US state that is currently facing the most environmental issues, falling to the very bottom of the list. Among the most urgent factors the state needs to address are its high levels of water contamination, with a total of 157 different contaminants, and low recycling rates, only 96 pounds per capita. With greenhouse gas emissions reaching 312,657,902 tons CO2e, the state seems to be on a dangerous trajectory."

Other states in the top 10 included Hawaii, Maine, North Dakota, Washington, Nebraska, Montana and Kansas.

Joining Texas and Utah in the bottom 10 were Ohio, Alabama, New York, New Mexico, Louisiana, West Virginia, Maryland and Georgia.