​The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) just concluded a press conference in Washington, D.C., where the environment protectors released a report ranking states by: a) how vulnerable its citizens are to the combined effects of the economic downturn and changing oil prices and, b) significant steps taken to reduce oil dependence through smart clean-transportation policies. California comes out on the top where it should for a change.

According to "Fighting Oil Addiction: Ranking States' Oil Vulnerability and Solutions for Change," the top 10 states that are doing the most to promote clean energy technologies and reduce their dependence on oil are: #1 California; #2 Massachusetts; #3 Washington; #4 New Mexico; #5 Connecticut; #6 New York; #7 New Jersey; #8 Pennsylvania; #9 Oregon; and #10 Florida.
By contrast, the top 10 states most vulnerable to oil price increases are: #1 Mississippi; #2 Montana; #3 South Carolina; #4 Oklahoma; #5 Louisiana; #6 Kentucky, #7 Texas; #8 New Mexico; #9 Georgia; and #10 Arkansas.
 
"Especially with today's economic challenges, Americans face a growing threat from our nation's dangerous addiction to oil," said Deron Lovaas, NRDC's transportation policy director. "This report shows how important it is for states to promote clean energy policies that will reduce our dependence on oil, while also reducing global warming pollution."

The full report, with state-by-state rankings, can be accessed here.