Colorado is ranked high in the states becoming less dependent on oil, according to a study released by the Natural Resources Defense Council. In fact, it ranks ninth out of all fifty states; California ranks first and Mississippi ranks last. A primary reason is the addition of their alternative fuels infrastructure and promotion of such fuels.

The study notes that Coloradans spend about 4.5 percent of their annual income on gasoline — an average of $1,835.95 a year — compared with Mississippi, the most vulnerable state in the nation, where residents spend nearly 8 percent of their annual income on gasoline.

Other reasonings noted as Colorado’s high ranking in this study was the standard that Gov. Bill Ritter called for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions as part of his Climate Action Plan. In April, the Governor asked state employees to reduce petroleum use by 25 percent.

“Citizens are looking for ways to reduce consumption, and we have alternative fuels and alternative transportation available,” said Megan Castle, director of communications for the Governor’s Energy Office.

There are currently 72 biofuels stations within the state of Colorado and 20 additional planned to open soon. Biofuel sales statewide are now at about 1 million gallons a month, Castle said.