Stephen W. Sawyer is assistant professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Maryland. John R. Armstrong was formerly director of the Office of Energy Conservation and Development at the Minnesota Department of Energy and Economic Development. He is now an energy consultant for developing countries.

• Introduction -- Energy and the States -- Inventory of Current State Energy Activities -- Evaluating Energy Programs in Michigan -- Improving Energy Efficiency of Existing Homes: The Residential Conservation Service -- Shifting Winds, Changing Tides: Navigating Low-Income Conservation Programs Through Uncharted Waters -- Politics and Policy: The Minnesota Community Energy Program -- Efficiency Standards in California’s Energy Policy -- Renewable Energy Tax Incentives: Status, Evaluation Attempts, Continuing Issues -- California’s Experience in Promoting Renewable Energy Development -- Unmet Energy Needs: The States’ Perspective -- State Government’s Role in the Development of Energy Service Contracting -- The Role of Public Utility Commissions -- Stimulating Innovation Through Alternate Institutions -- The Evolution of State Level Energy Institutions