Everything's bigger in Texas—including energy use

Texas is the top energy-consuming state in the U.S., accounting for 12 percent of the nation's total energy use, according to data released this week by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The Lone Star state is followed by California (8.5 percent), Florida (4.5 percent), New York (4 percent), and Illinois (4 percent).

The fact that California uses less energy than Texas despite having a larger population (37 million versus 25 million, according to the 2010 U.S. Census) could be the result of its more progressive energy-efficiency policies. For example, California was the first state to adopt a minimum efficiency standard for televisions, which has helped draw national attention to the issue of energy use with all electronics.

California is also a leader in lighting. The phase out of incandescent lightbulbs that will happen nationwide on January 1, 2012 took effect in California on January 1, 2011. That will avoid the sale of 10.5 million inefficient 100-watt bulbs in 2011, saving Californians $35.6 million in lower electricity bills.

Then there's the matter of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which impact energy use through their link to air pollution and respiratory problems. Regional California limits of 50 grams of VOCs per liter of interior paint are the toughest in the nation. In our latest interior paint report, all but one recommended model met the limit, which underscores the point that California's energy-efficient ways don't come at the expense of quality.

—Daniel DiClerico