The states are utilizing at least one of three strategies aimed at lowering fossil fuel consumption: cleaning up smokestacks at power plants, lowering automobile exhaust and harnessing power from the sun and wind, Stateline.org reported Tuesday.

The Washington State Legislature passed a measure in March -- similar to a 2006 California law -- requiring power plants and other industries to cut greenhouse-gas emissions by 2020.

A new Maryland measure, which also follows a similar California provision, imposes strict auto emissions standards on drivers.

Minnesota and New Hampshire announced recently they have set the nation's highest goals for production of renewable energy from the sun and wind. The states plan for the environmentally friendly methods to account for 25 percent of their individual energy needs by 2025, Statelione.org reported.

Governors and state officials said the moves are driven not only with the environment in mind but also economic pragmatism.

"I don't just want wind farms. I want companies that build turbines. I want hybrid-vehicle companies to consult us on conservation strategies. I want companies that design solar panels," Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick told Stateline.org.