In this article, we will look at the 25 greenest small towns in America. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 5 Greenest Small Towns in America.
Pollution in America
A report by the American Lungs Association states that 39% of the total American population, 131.2 million people live in places with high ozone and particulate matter pollution levels adversely affecting health effects, as of 2024. This records an increase of 11.7 million people living in polluted air compared to the previous year. 4 out of 10 people in the continent are based in locations with unhealthy levels of air pollution. The increase in air quality deterioration in the region can be attributed to extreme heat, drought, wildfires, and heightened greenhouse gas emissions.
Since 1970, the United States has made substantial efforts to reduce air pollution emissions. Despite the increase in gross domestic product, population, energy consumption, and vehicle miles traveled, total emissions of the six primary pollutants have drastically declined by 78% compared to the 1970 levels, according to the Environment Protection Agency. This decline was driven by effective government policies in place, advancements in green technology, and higher renewable energy adoption in the country.
READ ALSO: 25 Countries with Biggest Carbon Footprint per Capita and 20 Countries that Produce the Most Pollution in the World.
Boom in the Clean Energy Sector in the US
Renewable energy can help decarbonize 90% of the power sector by 2050, drastically cutting carbon emissions. The clean energy sector in the United States is booming with over 142,000 clean energy jobs added in 2023, representing over 50% of the total new jobs created in the energy sector. Electric power generation from sources such as wind and solar experienced a significant growth of 4%. Solar alone added more than 18,400 jobs in 2023, an increase of 5.3% year-over-year. This growth stems from incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
In 2023, the United States generated 4.017 trillion kilowatt-hours of electric power, out of which renewable sources including wind, solar, hydropower, biomass, and geothermal accounted for 22%. Constellation Energy (NASDAQ:CEG) is one of the top producers of clean energy in the US, providing renewable power to over 16 million households and businesses across the country. It boasts a robust fleet of nuclear, hydro, wind, and solar generation facilities, with a total capacity of 32,400 megawatts. It supplies 10% of the total clean energy on the grid in the United States. In 2023, it produced 178 terawatt hours of clean electricity, enough to power 16 million homes and avoid 125 million metric tonnes of emissions.
Constellation Energy (NASDAQ:CEG) is poised to benefit from AI-driven power demand supported by its nuclear energy generation assets. It has purchasing power agreements with multiple tech companies including Microsoft, Google, and Nucor Steel, providing a reliable and long-term stream of revenue. The company is heavily investing in its nuclear assets as the demand for renewable nuclear power surges. It plans to invest $900 million in two of its nuclear plants in Illinois.
CEG has gained 63% over the past year and is also popular among elite investors. At the end of Q2 2024, 71 hedge funds were long CEG with positions worth $2.7 billion. Among those, Coatue Management held the highest shares in the company, worth $982.90 million. You can also look at the 10 Cheap Clean Energy Stocks To Buy According to Hedge Funds.
ClearBridge Global Infrastructure Value Strategy said the following about Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG) in its Q1 2024 investor letter:
“On a regional basis, the U.S. and Canada was the top contributor for quarter, with U.S. electric utility Constellation Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CEG) and U.S. rail operator CSX the lead performers. Constellation Energy is primarily a nuclear generation company and is the largest producer of carbon-free electricity in the U.S., serving states including New York, Illinois, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The company’s combined generation capacity is more than 32 GW and 90% of annual output is carbon-free. Constellation has been a beneficiary of AI and subsequent power demand as its 24/7 base load nuclear generation can get premium contracts.”
While we acknowledge the potential of CEG as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than NVDA but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
Now, let’s take a look at the 25 greenest small towns in America. You can also read our piece on 20 Least Green Cities in the US.
![The Most Segregated City in the US](https://imonkey-blog.imgix.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/05065058/wisconsin-1826830_960_720.jpg?auto=fortmat&fit=clip&expires=1757635200&width=480&height=319)
Pixabay/Public Domain
Methodology
To compile our list of the 25 greenest small towns in America, we consulted IQ Air’s Air Quality Index to source pollution data. We utilized fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration to rank the towns on our list. Moreover, we established a population threshold of 5,000 residents or fewer to define a “small town.” Our list ranks the 25 greenest small towns in America in descending order of their PM2.5 concentration in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³).
Please note that we excluded the towns with a population of less than a hundred residents.
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25 Greenest Small Towns in America
25. Wolf Creek, Utah
Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 3.0 µg/m³
Wolf Creek is a census-designated place in Utah. In 2023, its average fine particulate matter concentration reached 3 micrograms per cubic meter. Wolf Creek is ranked 25th among the greenest small towns in America.
24. Palisade, Colorado
Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 3.0 µg/m³
Palisade is a town in Mesa County, Colorado. The major pollutants in the town are fine particulate matter and ozone. In 2023, it had an average PM2.5 concentration of 3 µg/m³. It is ranked 24th on our list.
23. Keystone, Colorado
Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 3.0 µg/m³
Keystone is a small town located in the Summit County of Colorado. Fine particulate matter is the primary air pollutant in the town. It recorded an average PM2.5 concentration well within the World Health Organization standard.
22. Crested Butte, Colorado
Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 2.9 µg/m³
Crested Butte is a town in the mountainous region of Colorado. It is an attraction spot for travelers due to its scenic mountains and high air quality. It is ranked 22nd among the greenest small towns in America, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 2.9 micrograms per cubic meter.
21. Beatty, Nevada
Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 2.8 µg/m³
Beatty is ranked 21st on our list. It is an incorporated town in the Nye County, Nevada. Its average fine particulate matter concentration reached 2.8 micrograms per cubic meter in 2023.
20. Puako, Hawaii
Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 2.8 µg/m³
Puako is ranked 20th on our list as it meets the WHO guideline for the PM2.5 concentration. It had an average particulate matter concentration of 2.8 µg/m³. Puako is a census-designated place in Hawaii.
19. Ocean View, Hawaii
Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 2.8 µg/m³
Ocean View is a census-designated place in Hawaii. In 2023, its average particulate matter concentration was 2.8 micrograms per cubic meter, meeting the guidelines by the WHO. It is ranked 19th on our list.
18. El Jebel, Colorado
Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 2.8 µg/m³
El Jebel is an incorporated town in the Eagle County, Colorado. Fine particulate matter is the biggest air pollutant in the town. In 2023, it recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 2.8 µg/m³. It is ranked among the greenest small towns in America.
17. Haines, Alaska
Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 2.8 µg/m³
Next up on our list is Haines, which is a census-designated place in Haines Borough, Alaska. It is popular for its diverse wildlife population including many carnivores, marine life, and various bird species. It is one of the top small towns in America with the highest air quality. In 2023, its fine particulate matter concentration was 2.8 micrograms per cubic meter which is well under the guideline set by the WHO for air quality.
16. Goldfield, Nevada
Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 2.7 µg/m³
Goldfield is an unincorporated town in Esmeralda County, Nevada. In 2023, it had an average fine particulate matter concentration of 2.7 micrograms per cubic meter. It is ranked 16th on our list.
15. Jemez Springs, New Mexico
Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 2.7 µg/m³
Jemez Springs is located in Sandoval County, New Mexico. The town is home to scenic views and is a great attraction spot for tourists. In 2023, it had an average particulate matter concentration of 2.7 µg/m³. It is the 15th greenest small town in America.
14. Frisco, Colorado
Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 2.7 µg/m³
Fine particulate matter is the major air pollutant in Frisco, a small town located in the heart of rocky mountains in Colorado. In 2023, its particulate matter concentration was in line with the WHO standard for air quality. It is ranked 14th on our list of the greenest small towns in America.
13. Cedaredge, Colorado
Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 2.6 µg/m³
Ranked 13th on our list, Cedaredge is located in Delta County, Colorado. It is known for its orchards, laid-back life, and scenic views. In 2023, it had an average fine particulate matter concentration of 2.6 micrograms per cubic meter. It is one of the top small towns offering the highest quality of air in America.
12. Keaau, Hawaii
Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 2.6 µg/m³
Ranked 12th on our list. Keaau is a census-designated place located in the District of Puna. The small town has one of the highest air and drinking water quality. Its fine particulate concentration is in line with the standard set by the World Health Organisation.
11. New Harmony, Indiana
Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 2.6 µg/m³
New Harmony is a town located on the Wabash River in Posey County, Indiana. It is one of the small towns with the cleanest air in America. In 2023, its fine particulate matter concentration reached 2.6 micrograms per cubic meter. It is the 11th greenest small town in America.
10. Silverthorne, Colorado
Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 2.5 µg/m³
Silverthorne is a municipality in Summit County, Colorado. Particulate matter is the biggest pollutant in the town. However, its concentration is within the WHO guidelines for air quality. Silverthorne is a known attraction spot popular for its rivers, peaks, and playgrounds. It is ranked 10th on our list of the greenest small towns in America.
9. Snowmass Village, Colorado
Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023):2.5 µg/m³
Snowmass Village is a municipality located in the valley of the Roaring Fork River, Pitkin County, Colorado. In 2023, the small town had an average particulate matter concentration of 2.5 micrograms per cubic meter. It is one of the greenest small towns in America.
8. Agua Fria, New Mexico
Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 2.5 µg/m³
Agua Fria is a census-designated place in Santa Fe County, New Mexico. Its waterbodies make it an attractive tourist spot for watersports and boating. In 2023, its average fine particulate matter concentration was 2.5 µg/m³. It is ranked 8th on our list of the greenest small towns in America.
7. Port Alsworth, Alaska
Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 2.4 µg/m³
Port Alsworth is located in Lake and Peninsula Brough, Alaska. It is home to scenic lakes and forested mountains and boasts a high quality of air. In 2023, its average fine particulate matter concentration was 2.4 micrograms per cubic meter. It is ranked 7th on our list.
6. Spring City, Pennsylvania
Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 2.4 µg/m³
Spring City is a small town in Chester County, Pennsylvania. It is known for its clean and serene environment. It reported an average PM2.5 concentration of 2.4 µg/m³. It is ranked 6th on our list of the greenest small towns in America.
5. Collbran, Colorado
Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 2.3 µg/m³
Collbran is a small town located in Mesa County, Colorado. It offers a good quality of life along with a clean environment and green playgrounds. It also boasts a high quality of air meeting the guidelines of the WHO for air. It is the 5th greenest small town in America.
4. Bayfield, Colorado
Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 2.2 µg/m³
Bayfield is a small town in La Plata County, Colorado. It offers a vibrant and sustainable living standard. In 2023, its average fine particulate matter concentration was 2.2 micrograms per cubic meter. It is ranked 4th on our list.
3. Koloa, Hawaii
Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 2.2 µg/m³
Koloa is a census-designated place and an unincorporated community in Hawaii. Its major air pollutant is fine particulate matter. In 2023, Koloa had an average fine particulate matter concentration of 2.2 micrograms per cubic meter, which is in line with the WHO standard for air quality. It is the 3rd greenest small town in America.
2. Telluride, Colorado
Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 2.0 µg/m³
Telluride is a small town in San Miguel County, Colorado. Its primary air pollutants are coarse and fine particulate matter. It is popular for skiing and other recreational activities in winter. In 2023, Telluride has an average PM2.5 concentration of 2 micrograms per cubic meter. It is ranked 2nd on our list.
1. Wilson, Wyoming
Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 1.9 µg/m³
Wilson is ranked 1st on our list of the greenest small towns in America. The town has ozone and fine particulate matter as its primary air pollutants. It boasts the highest air quality in the United States. In 2023, its average fine particulate matter concentration was 1.9 µg/m³. It is considered among the top places with a good living standard in Wyoming.
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Disclosure: None. This article was originally published at Insider Monkey.