Despite announcing his intention not to seek a second term as governor of Colorado, Governor Bill Ritter has continued to pursue a clean energy future for the state. While many states have mandates of 20% or 25% electricity generation from renewable energy sources by 2020, Ritter is pushing ahead toward 30%. Ritter’s goal is one of the most ambitious, ranking in the top three states as measured by a percentage of electricity production.
According to the United States’ Department of Energy (Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy division – EERE), Maine has set a goal of producing 40% of its electricity by 2017 via renewable resources. California’s standard of 33% has a longer time horizon. The Golden State has set a deadline of 2030 to achieve its renewable energy goals. About two-thirds of the states are listed on the EERE page, with all but two of the states having set percentage goals. Iowa and Texas have set production targets based on megawatts, 105MW and 5,880MW respectively. Although it is a few years old, the Energy Information Administration – also part of the United States’ Department of Energy – has information on programs up through 2006.
Across the globe there are other examples of self-imposed standards for renewable energy production. The Guardian reports that European Union officials set a goal of 20% by 2020 at the end of 2008. Australian passed similar targets last year, 20% by 2020. Both national and internationally targets help spur investment in clean energy production. Whether the current, short-term economic crisis prevents these long-term investments remains to be seen. By generating energy from renewable resources, governments can help ensure economic growth over the long term by keeping electricity costs stable. Non-renewable resources – natural gas, nuclear, and coal – will increase in cost over the long run, while the inputs for renewable energy – wind, sun, biomass, and rivers – can be managed sustainably.
[image source: EIA]
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