The AP has an interesting article today about how the states rank in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. Not surprisingly, Texas is one of the worst (although it’s actually beat by Wyoming). The article raised an interesting point — your individual “carbon footprint” is largely dependent upon where you live. After using the linked carbon footprint calculator and finding out that I’m only about average, I finally did the research to find out how to switch my electricity supply to “green” energy. In the DC area, you have two options: Pepco Energy Services (not the same thing as Pepco the utility company) offers consumers a choice of 100% wind electricity, or 100% “green” energy (defined as a combination of “hydroelectric plants, solar panels, wind farms and biomass fuels”). (Note that it appears that you have to be a customer of Pepco, the electric company, to purchase from Pepco Energy Services.) The other option is Washington Gas Energy Services, which offers electricity ranging from 5% to 100% wind-generated. Both companies require a long-term commitment (8 months for Pepco Energy Services, 1-3 years for Washington Gas Energy Services), and both are about 30% more expensive than current Pepco rates (although Pepco Energy Services is several cents/kWh cheaper for 100% wind energy than Washington Gas Energy Services).

If you want to calculate your own carbon footprint, go here.