Energy Policy Development
NREL provides technical analysis and information worldwide to inform policies that incorporate clean energy technologies in planning and developing energy projects, as well as evaluate the benefits that can be achieved. This includes:
Air Pollution Analysis
NREL contributes its technical expertise in clean energy technologies to help government organizations develop plans and policies for reducing air pollution as well as greenhouse gas emissions.
NREL analyzes the options and implications of air-quality policies and regulations for renewable energy markets, specifically with respect to acid rain, ozone, regional haze, fine particulates, and greenhouse gas emissions. NREL also conducts various assessments of air pollution issues and the role of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies in addressing air pollution.
Models are used to estimate the costs of different levels of emissions reduction. For more information, visit NREL's Energy Analysis site. Also access environmental impacts analysis modeling and tools for more information.
Green Power Markets
The Green Power Network (GPN), developed and maintained by NREL, provides news and information on green power markets and related activities. The database provides up-to-date information on green power providers, product offerings, consumer protection issues, and policies affecting green power markets. It also includes a reference library of relevant papers, articles, and reports.
NREL published "Implications of Carbon Regulation for Green Power Markets" (PDF 983 KB), which reviews carbon regulation programs under development in the Northeast and California, as well as the experience in the European Union, where carbon is already regulated. Download Adobe Reader. It also discusses the potential implications of these programs for the types of environmental claims currently made by commercial and institutional green power purchasers. The report ends with policy options for regulators and other decision makers to consider in designing carbon policies that will enable carbon markets and voluntary renewable energy markets to work together.
State Incentives
The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE), managed by NREL, is a comprehensive database resource of state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.
More Information
See our energy and environmental policy development publications for more information.
