18. Albuquerque, NM

Set in the upper reaches of the Chihuahuan Desert, Albuquerque ranks highest among the desert cities in SustainLane’s 2008 rankings. Mayor Martin Chavez is leading the green charge with strong public commitment to AlbuquerqueGreen, the city’s comprehensive sustainability plan. We’re particularly fond of the Duke City’s interactive website outlining green goals and accomplishments, among them: 20 percent of city government’s electricity comes from wind, parking at city meters is free for hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles, and more than 300 bike lockers have been installed. Locals here bask under an average of 300 sunny skies a year—and though there are plans afoot to heat five city swimming pools with energy from the sun, solar power represents vast, barely-tapped renewable energy potential for Albuquerque.

A bird's eye view of Albuquerque (Photo by Ron Reiring )