Montana and Neighboring States Among the 'Greenest' in the US

This may come as a bit of a surprise, but Montana recently landed on the Top 10 most "green" states. Yes, a state full of big pickup trucks, coal, mining, and (dwindling) logging, the Treasure State is remarkedly green.

Researchers at Cartridge Save looked at the following criteria to determine which states in the US are the greenest: 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.

South Dakota. Photo by Pamela Huber on Unsplash

South Dakota takes the top spot.

Based on the data, the greenest state in America is our neighbor to the east - South Dakota. The state has the lowest energy consumption per capita, exceptional water quality, and shortest average commute times nationwide.

North Dakota. Photo by Intricate Explorer on Unsplash

North Dakota is the 6th greenest state.

The authors of the study note that North Dakota stands out for its environmental quality, securing the number two spot for both water quality and proportion of farmland.

It also boasts a quick average commute time, ranking second nationally at just under 18 minutes by car. Additionally, North Dakota ranks well for air quality (7th) and renewable energy consumption (8th).

Montana. Photo by Peter McCrae-Hokenson on Unsplash

Montana is the 9th greenest state in the US.

The study notes that Big Sky Country excels in several areas. Montana leverages its resources, ranking 7th for renewable energy consumption, likely due to our strong wind and hydropower production. Montana also boasts impressive water quality and a significant proportion of farmland, both ranking 10th nationally.

Recycling rates are lower, with an average of 121 pounds per capita recycled. We can attest that recycling isn't exactly easy in most Montana communities.