In a nation as vast and diverse as the United States, the path to sustainability is far from equal. While many states have embraced clean energy, climate resilience, and equitable development, others remain mired in outdated systems that no longer serve their people or the planet. These lagging states face mounting environmental threats—floods, pollution, rising heat—and yet their policies and infrastructure fail to keep pace with the changing world around them.
In 2025, this gap is no longer just a regional concern; it’s a national risk. States that ignore sustainability are increasingly vulnerable—not only environmentally, but economically and socially. Communities in these areas often bear the brunt of climate inaction through higher health costs, limited mobility, and lost jobs in outdated industries.
This second part of our sustainability series explores five U.S. states falling behind in the race toward a greener future. From fossil fuel dependency to weak urban planning, we uncover the critical barriers they face and point to the practical solutions that can help them recover lost ground. The challenges are significant—but they’renot irreversible. And for every challenge, there is a path forward.
West Virginia – Stuck in a Fossil Fuel Past
West Virginia remains heavily dependent on coal, with some of the weakest environmental protections in the country. According to Forbes, the state scores poorly across renewable energy adoption, air quality, and sustainability investments.
Key Challenges:
- Low renewable energy penetration
- High asthma and respiratory illness rates
- Negligible urban sustainability planning
“We cannot diversify our economy until we stop clinging to what has clearly stopped working.”
— Cindy Rank, West Virginia Highlands Conservancy
The arXiv zoning study shows most West Virginia cities still operate under conventional, car-centric zoning frameworks that discourage walkability and density.
Louisiana – At Risk, But Unprepared
Despite facing extreme weather events, coastal erosion, and rising sea levels, Louisiana has made little progress on climate adaptation. Public infrastructure remains outdated, and zoning reforms are sparse.
Where It’s Failing:
- Weak disaster resilience and flood planning
- Minimal investment in green infrastructure
- Low recycling and clean energy scores
“We know what’s coming—but we’re not doing enough to stop it or prepare for it.”
— Dr. Robert Thomas, Center for Environmental Communication, Loyola University New Orleans
The state’s failure to align urban development with climate risk makes it especially vulnerable, particularly for low-income communities.
Mississippi – Sustainability Gap in Every Sector
Mississippi consistently ranks near the bottom for sustainability, health, and education. According to PropertyNeo, the state has some of the lowest recycling rates, least renewable energy use, and poor access to public transportation.
Major Deficits:
- Lack of statewide sustainability frameworks
- High dependence on single-use materials
- Little focus on equitable urban development
“There’s potential here, but it requires both investment and accountability.”
— Dr. Sara McBride, Jackson State University, Environmental Policy Program
The arXiv study confirms that cities like Jackson have low alignment with Form-Based Codes, contributing to long commutes, poor walkability, and high energy usage.
Alabama – Outdated Urban Development and Poor Transparency
Alabama struggles with urban sprawl, low walkability, and limited policy transparency. Many municipalities are still governed by zoning rules designed decades ago, often reinforcing inequality and disconnection.
Core Issues:
- Car-dependent cities with limited public transit
- Weak emissions reporting
- Minimal environmental justice efforts
“Until zoning reflects modern values, we’re building the past, not the future.”
— Arianna Salazar-Miranda, co-author, Zoning in American Cities (arXiv, 2025)
Alabama’s cities show some of the lowest scores in FBC similarity, according to the study, meaning urban form does little to support sustainability goals.
Arkansas – Behind in Waste, Water, and Energy
Arkansas has one of the weakest recycling infrastructures in the U.S. and lacks effective regulation for water and energy efficiency. With minimal state-level coordination, sustainability initiatives are sporadic and underfunded.
What Needs Urgent Change:
- Statewide recycling mandates and incentives
- Water conservation policies
- Energy audits and building codes for new development
“Sustainability needs to be strategic. Piecemeal efforts won’t cut it anymore.”
— David Hughes, Arkansas Sierra Club
Few cities in Arkansas have adopted mixed-use zoning or compact development strategies, leading to environmental and economic inefficiencies.
What’s Holding These States Back?
A review of the lowest-performing states reveals common threads:
- Lack of Coordinated Policy – Few statewide mandates on climate, zoning, or emissions
- Infrastructure Gaps – Outdated transportation, waste, and energy systems
- Limited Community Engagement – Top-down planning without citizen involvement
- Neglect of Urban Form – Car-centric sprawl remains the norm
Each state faces unique challenges, but the absence of a systems-based approach consistently hinders progress.
What They Can Do: A Path Forward
Turning things around requires immediate investment, education, and regulatory reform. The good news? Proven solutions already exist—and are accessible to states, cities, and professionals alike.
The Sustainability Academy provides globally recognized, affordable training that supports practical action at all levels.
Recommended Courses for Action:
- Online Diploma on Corporate Sustainability: Foundation Course– It is a sustainability course designed for professionals who want to acquire the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge regarding social entrepreneurship and the B-Lab Certification.
- Online Certificate on SASB & TCFD Reporting-Alignment with IFRS S1-S2 – It is designed to help the participants acquire or enhance their competency to understand the requirements of the SASB Standards and the TCFD recommendations. It is focused on the acquisition of knowledge of applying the SASB Standards, as well as reporting on the organization’s climate related risks and opportunities based on the TCFD recommendations.
- Certified Climate Resilient Officer (CRO) – It aims to equip professionals with all the necessary skills and knowledge to integrate Climate Risk into Strategic Planning. Additionally, it provides insight on the potential financial risks of climate change for Corporations and Cities. The course will also help you understand the methods for assessing these risks and the importance of Climate Risk Disclosure in sustainability reporting, complying with the latest carbon-related standards and frameworks, such as ISO 14091, WBCSD, GHG Protocol or SBTi.
These programs provide practical skills backed by international frameworks, making them ideal for public servants, sustainability officers, educators, and business leaders in lagging states.
In 2025, the sustainability divide between U.S. states is growing—but it doesn’t have to. The bottom-ranking states aren’t doomed to fail. What they need is bold vision, inclusive planning, and the willingness to reform outdated systems.
“Sustainability is no longer optional. It’s foundational to public health, prosperity, and resilience.”
— Hilary Franz, Washington Commissioner of Public Lands
Every state has the tools to change course. The question is: Will they use them? For professionals ready to lead that change, the time to act—and learn—is now.