States Lead the Way with Renewable Energy Policy

By Lydia Noyes
Published on September 19, 2017
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Photo by Getty Images/zstockphotos
The U.S. solar industry employed more than 260,000 workers in 2016.

Since January 2017, the United States has reversed several policies supporting renewable energy, controlling greenhouse gas emissions, and investing in cleaner technology.

These changes have led many states to fill the gaps with diverse legislative objectives that include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting natural resources, and creating new jobs.

Clean Energy Momentum

States have the authority to individually support environmentally friendly policies, and many are turning to the power of lawmaking to do just that. In recent months, state congresses have proposed hundreds of bills that relate to clean energy production, greenhouse gas reduction, and state-enforced regulations and incentives for environmental protection. Many are also looking at ways to tax carbon production, encourage solar energy installations, and mandate advances in renewable energy technology.

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) recently created a Clean Energy Momentum State Ranking that examines the movement toward clean energy across the country. Looking at 12 metrics, including clean energy job creation, renewable energy advancement, and power plant pollution reduction, the report identifies the states that are making the most progress toward a sustainable future.

Leading States for Clean Power Production

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