(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana ranks behind both Michigan and Ohio in a new national study measuring environmental protection efforts across the United States.
The 2026 report from the nonprofit organization SmileHub ranks Indiana 37th among all 50 states. Michigan ranked 22nd, while Ohio placed 29th.
The study evaluated states using 25 metrics, including environmental charities per capita, renewable energy use, energy efficiency, pollution levels and conservation efforts.
Indiana received an overall score of 39.88. The state ranked 44th for environmental protection measures, 36th for energy consumption and waste disposal, and 30th for emissions and pollution contributions.
Michigan earned a score of 52.32, while Ohio scored 46.40.
California topped the rankings, followed by Washington, New York, Vermont and Hawaii. Louisiana ranked last.
SmileHub said the study was designed to identify which states are doing the most to protect the environment as public concern about environmental quality continues to grow.