West Virginia ranked least green state, again
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — A recent study found that West Virginia is the least environmentally friendly state in America based on a number of factors.
Lending Tree ranked the 50 states and Washington, D.C. from most to least green, and West Virginia, like it has in previous similar rankings, placed last.
West Virginia had among the highest CO2 emissions—releasing 49.5 metric tons per capita—and among the lowest solar and electric vehicle usage, according to the study. The solar data is from July 2024, meaning it did not include recent additions like the FirstEnergy solar site in Rivesville .
The rankings also said that 13% of West Virginia's public water facility average above the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) , which is the highest level that is allowed in drinking water.
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The most green states, according to the ranking, are 1. Hawaii, which scored highly in all categories, 2. D.C., which has the lowest CO2 emissions and highest EV usage, and 3. Vermont.
This is far from the first time that West Virginia has been ranked poorly for environmental friendliness. A similar study by WalletHub had the same result earlier this year, and other studies in 2022 and 2023 also said West Virginia is the least green state.
