Renewable Energy

Energy efficiency and energy conservation can be the most cost-effective and least-polluting means of reducing our demand for energy. However, energy demand cannot be eliminated completely. Thus, renewable energy can be a valuable complement to energy efficiency and conservation. Among the potential benefits of renewable energy are:

• More secure availability because:
  • it can be produced close to point of use;
  • it has multiple sources such as hydro, solar, wind, biomass, geothermal.
• Efficiency gains due to less energy consumed in transmission or transport.
• More energy dollars are retained in local or regional economy, not exported.
• Renewable energy installations can create additional local jobs.
• Reduced pollution compared with fossil fuel sources.
• Can be greenhouse gas-neutral.
• Lifetime cost can be lower than for non-renewable energy sources.
• "Wastes" such as manure, sewer gas, landfill gas, and landscape trimmings can become energy resources.

Additional Information:

• Alliance to Save Energy
• "American Energy: The Renewable Path to Energy Security" is a report just released by the Worldwatch Institute and the Center for American Progress. This report provides details of how emerging renewable energy industries can address US energy demands, national security, and the environment, as well as similar concerns around the globe.
• The Energy Policy Act of 2005
• Renewable Energy Incentives - Local, State, Federal
• Small Wind Energy Systems
  Technical bulletin on small wind energy systems, including a model ordinance for municipalities to use as a framework for drafting a regulation that encourages the construction of wind turbines while protecting the public's health, safety, and welfare.
• Technical Assistance Project for State and Local Officials
  The Technical Assistance Project (TAP) is designed to provide state and local officials with quick, short-term access to experts at U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories for assistance with their renewable energy and energy efficiency policies and programs.

For information on renewable energy, contact: