WASHINGTON - A new report by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) ranks, for the first time, U.S. states based on vulnerability to high gas prices and on policies that reduce that vulnerability while protecting consumers and the environment.

Citizens in Arizona spend an average of almost 5 percent of their per capita income on gasoline - that is almost twice as much as much as residents in Connecticut - the least vulnerable state - who spend about 2.5 percent of theirs. Compared to the national state average, Arizona spends 18 percent more. When oil prices go up, families in vulnerable states are hit the hardest.

"Filling the tank is a burden nowadays," said Deron Lovaas, energy analyst at NRDC. "The good news is that some states are enacting policies that give consumers vehicle and fuel choices. More states need to do the same. And federal policymakers must also follow suit, by boosting fuel economy standards and supporting renewable fuels."

The report, Addicted to Oil: Ranking States' Oil Vulnerability and Solutions for Change ranks all 50 states based on the hit drivers take to their wallet, showing that while oil dependence affects all states, some are hit harder economically than others. Generally, the most vulnerable states are in the South and the least vulnerable are in the Northeast.

A second ranking shows that while some states are pioneering solutions like promoting clean cars, clean fuels, and smart growth, others are taking little or no action. In fact, about one-third of states are taking few, if any, steps to reduce their oil dependence.

As peak summer driving season fast approaches, this report underscores that America's addiction to oil continues to threaten our economic viability, national security and global environmental health. What we drive, how often we drive, and what fuels we use are at the core of America's 21-million-barrel-per-day oil habit.

Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, West Virginia and Wyoming are the states doing the least in terms of policy to reduce their oil dependence.

In contrast, California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington are doing the most to promote energy-saving policies to wean themselves from oil.

The report outlines solutions to end oil dependence and protect citizens from increases in gas prices, and highlights which states have adopted such policies. Policies like clean cars, clean fuels, smart growth planning and public transit can help insulate consumers from volatile gas prices by providing alternatives to driving long distances in inefficient vehicles filled with conventional gasoline.