A booming economy, a thriving tech sector and a great place to retire are all big factors that went into determining the No. 1 state in America. And while some people would prefer the sunshine of Florida (and no state taxes) or another warm-weather location, Washington has been chosen as the top state in the nation.
While the home of Amazon has plenty of thriving tech companies, the factor that put it over the top is power – as in electricity. A major contributor to Washington's economy is cheap, climate-friendly electricity thanks to one of the best electrical systems across the nation, according to the U.S. News' Best States
ranking of economic growth.
By 2025 the state hopes to be completely coal-free as it turns toward windmills and solar arrays to gain electricity to use and export, which is why Washington has been listed as the best state for growth.
"Washington state is an example of how climate action and a strong economy go hand in hand," Gov. Jay Inslee, who has sights set on the 2020 race, told
U.S. News & World Report. "Renewable energy projects create significant new revenues for rural communities where most of these projects are sited. ... New wind development projects in Washington generate millions of dollars in annual lease payments; much of it goes to small rural landowners."
Driving the clean power movement in Washington are large businesses and innovative startups, particularly in the booming tech sector around Seattle, which has become a hub of invention.
"Tech giants bring talent to the area," noted Chris Green, an assistant director in the state commerce department. "Those with an entrepreneurial bent find a thriving startup ecosystem to support them."
Breaking down the individual factors of the rating, Washington's rated No.2 for infrastructure, No. 4 for health care and No. 4 for education.
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