New Approaches on Energy and the Environment

CHAPTER

5

Stimulating Renewable Energy

A “Green Power” Initiative

by Joel Darmstadter

Although still a relatively minor player, renewable energy is nearing the point at which, on both technological and commercial grounds, it can begin to play a significantly expanded role in the nation’s energy mix. The electric power sector, which currently relies on renewables to generate just 2 percent of its output, is particularly well suited to phase in the use of renewables as a complement to fossil, nuclear, and large hydro resources in the production of electricity. To that end, Mr. President, I recommend that your administration and the new Congress support enactment of a national Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). Such a measure, containing explicit ...