Cashing In on Clean Energy (2007)
A National Renewable Electricity Standard Will Benefit the Economy and the Environment
OCTOBER 2007 UPDATE
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America’s current energy system is dominated by fossil fuels, which pose serious threats to our health and environment and leave us vulnerable to price spikes and supply shortages. With the threat of global warming becoming increasingly urgent, we must make responsible energy choices today that ensure a safe, reliable power supply and a healthy environment for future generations.
Fortunately, there are practical and affordable ways to achieve this goal. Homegrown renewable energy resources—such as wind, solar, bioenergy, and geothermal—can help reduce our dependence on polluting fossil fuels. These clean energy sources can also help stabilize energy prices, stimulate the development of innovative new technology, and create high-quality jobs and other economic benefits.
Strong national policies can ensure these benefits are fully realized. The policy that has proven most effective and popular at the state level is the renewable electricity standard (also known as the renewable portfolio standard or RPS), which requires electricity providers to supply a minimum percentage of their power from clean energy sources. As of June 2007, renewable electricity standards have been adopted in 23 states and Washington, DC. At the national level, the U.S. Senate has passed a 10 percent by 2020 national renewable electricity standard three times since 2002—most recently in June 2005—only to be rejected by the House conferees each time.
Momentum continues to grow for a strong national standard. A 20 percent by 2020 standard was introduced in the House in February 2007, and a 15 percent by 2020 standard is under consideration in the Senate. Using a model from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) examined the long-term effects that a national 20 percent by 2020 standard would have on the economy and the environment.
20 Percent by 2020: |
Job Creation 185,000 new jobs from renewable energy development Economic Development Consumer Savings Climate Solutions |
The UCS analysis was conducted at the national level and an additional breakout of state benefits was completed for 20 states. PDFs of the fact sheets can be viewed by clicking on the links below.
NATIONAL ANALYSIS
Cashing In on Clean Energy July 2007 Analysis of 20% by 2020 Standard
Cashing In on Clean Energy October 2007 Analysis of 15% by 2020 Standard
STATE ANALYSIS
July 2007 20% by 2020 Standard
California
Colorado
Florida
Indiana
Iowa
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Dakota
Ohio
Pennsylvania
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Washington
Wisconsin