Clean Power Comes on Strong
Harvesting the Benefits of Clean Energy
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, producing 20 percent of our nation's electricity with renewable energy by 2020 is not only possible, but it is affordable. When combined with strong energy efficiency programs, we can spur innovation, clean up our environment, cut our energy bills, and fuel economic growth.
Spur Innovation
The United States, once a leader in renewable energy development, has fallen behind other nations in pursuing clean energy solutions. By reinvigorating our commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency, we can develop the technologies of tomorrow and find solutions for today’s most pressing problems.
Curb Global Warming
Our nation’s fossil fuel power plants are the primary source of carbon dioxide, the principal global warming pollutant. Boosting our use of renewable energy and increasing energy efficiency can eliminate the need for nearly a thousand new power plants over the next 20 years.
Improve Public Health
Pollution from existing power plants contributes to over 600,000 asthma attacks each year. Increasing energy efficiency and our use of renewable energy can take dangerous pollutants out of the air and let us all breathe a little easier.
Cut Energy Bills
Clean energy choices translate into good financial choices. Together, strong renewable energy and energy efficiency policies could save a typical family $350 per year in lower energy bills by 2020.In addition, more renewable energy means more insulation from price spikes. Similar to good investors diversifying their stock portfolio, using more renewable energy will diversify our electricity mix and make us less dependent on the performance of a small number of fuels.
Enhance Energy Security
Renewable energy is a reliable source of "home-grown" energy, allowing communities and homes to generate their own power. While current power plants and transmission lines could be inviting targets for terrorists, decentralized renewable energy sources make it more difficult to disrupt large portions of the electrical grid.
Bring Jobs, Income, and Revenue to Rural America
Renewable energy development can be a powerful economic support for rural areas. Farmers and ranchers have received $2,000 per year in lease payments for each wind turbine operating on their land. Renewable energy projects also infuse local communities with increased tax revenues and generate local jobs.
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