Kansas is among the least energy efficient states in the nation, according to a report released Thursday.

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy unveiled its fifth annual scorecard and found that Kansas ranked 48th among states and Washington, D.C., down from 46th the previous year.

Massachusetts ranked first while North Dakota was last.

The scorecard measures policies and programs that improve energy efficiency in homes, businesses, industry and transportation.

The group noted that Kansas has no laws or regulations that mandate energy efficiency.

Meanwhile, ACEEE praised states that were on the upswing in energy efficiency.

“Energy efficiency is America’s abundant, untapped energy resource and the states continue to press forward to reap its economic and environmental benefits,” said Steven Nadel, ACEEE executive director.

“The message here is that energy efficiency is a pragmatic, bipartisan solution that political leaders from both sides of the aisle can support. As they have over the past decades, states continue to provide the leadership needed to forge an energy-efficient economy, which reduces energy costs, spurs job growth, and benefits the environment,” Nadel said.