The U.S. should aspire to meet all of its energy needs—for electricity, transportation and industry—with clean, renewable energy, and put policies and programs in place to move toward that goal.
America has enormous clean energy potential. Each of the 50 states has the potential to generate as much power as it currently uses with either wind or solar energy. Transitioning to clean, renewable energy is not only necessary to prevent the worst impacts of global warming, but it can also prevent hazardous air pollution that threatens our health and reduce environmental threats from extracting, processing and transporting fossil fuels.
To build a future of 100% renewable energy, state and federal officials should adopt bold renewable energy goals and put in place the supportive policies needed to meet them. Specifically, policy-makers should:
-
Set 100% renewable energy targets as well as specific targets for key technologies such as solar power, offshore wind energy, and energy storage.
-
Establish strong incentives for renewable energy adoption, including extension and expansion of federal tax credits that have helped fuel the growth of clean energy.
-
Ensure that utility regulations support the growth of renewable energy, including through policies like “net metering” that compensate owners of renewable energy systems fairly for the energy they supply to the grid.
-
Encourage the transition to electric vehicles and buildings through strong “clean cars” standards and improved building codes.
-
Increase investment in energy efficiency programs and set strong building energy codes and efficiency standards for appliances.