Southern States Lagging in Energy Efficiency

The South eats up more resources than the rest of the U.S., says reporter Elizabeth Daigneau. With 36% of the U.S. population, the South uses 44% of the nation's energy consumption.

June 28, 2010, 11am PDT | Tim Halbur

Daigneau blames it on historically cheaper electricity and gas in comparison with the rest of the country, but believes a growing population might inspire greater efficiency.

A recent study by the Georgia Institute of Technology and Duke University suggests a strategy:

"...the region can introduce aggressive efficiency measures to three sectors: residences, commercial buildings and industry. By doing so, the South could offset the expected growth in energy demand over the next 20 years; it also could reduce the need for new power plants, create jobs and reduce utility bills."

Full Story:

Southern Inefficiency

Published on Monday, June 28, 2010 in Governing Magazine