California tops nation once again

Oregon scored second in the nation, after California, in the 2012 State Clean Energy Index produced by Clean Edge, a Portland research company specializing in the 'clean tech' sector.

California was cited for being the world testing ground for clean technology. It led the nation again for new wind and solar energy installations, deployment of hybrid and electric vehicles, and green buildings. California's clean energy startups have raised $9 billion in three years, more than the rest of the country combined.

Oregon retained its second-place ranking among the states, Clean Edge said, by leading the nation again in the number of customers choosing renewable energy options through their utilities, and being the national leader, per capita, in hybrid and electric vehicles and green buildings.

Massachusetts placed third, followed by Washington and Colorado.

For more information: cleanedge.com.