Factors Affecting States' Ranking on the 2007 Forbes List of America's Greenest States
Date
2009-04
Authors
Tresner, Erin C.
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Abstract
The purpose of this study is to evaluate factors influencing states' ranking on the 2007 Forbes List of America's Greenest States. Scholarly literature supports four factors that influence a state's ranking on the Forbes List. These four factors are per capita expenditures on environmental programs, energy efficiency, level of liberalism, and political culture. The methodology used to determine the effects of these four factors on states' ranking on the Forbes List was analysis of existing data and a multiple regression analysis. The results of the study show that only energy efficiency affected states' ranking on the Forbes List. The relationship between energy efficiency and a state's ranking was positive. In conclusion, this research study is helpful in guiding researchers, administrators, and politicians by illustrating what factors do and do not affect states' ranking on the 2007 Forbes List of America's Greenest States, as well as what steps states may or may not be taking with respect to pro-environmental policy.
Description
An Applied Research Project Submitted to the Department of Political Science, Texas State University-San Marcos, in Partial Fulfillment for the Requirements for the Degree of Masters of Public Administration, Spring 2009.
Keywords
environment, Forbes List, environmental policy, rankings, energy, liberalism, political culture, Public Administration
Citation
Tresner, E. C. (2009). Factors affecting states' ranking on the 2007 Forbes list of America's greenest states. Masters of Public Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.