Our nation's heavy reliance on fossil fuels is a central obstacle to improving air quality and preventing catastrophic climate change. Clean, renewable energy resources wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and small hydro are an attractive solution to this problem. The clean air benefits of renewable energy, however, generally go unrecognized by regulators, under-appreciated by consumers, and uncompensated by markets. A prime example of these problems is the fact that current air pollution control regulations do not allow renewables to participate fully in emissions trading applicable to the electric power sector.
Electric utilities are major culprits for several air quality problems.
As a result, they are a principle contributor to acid rain, smog, regional haze, mercury contamination, and global climate change. Renewable energy is a key alternative to conventional electricity generation. As Congress revisits clean air issues over the next several years, renewable energy representatives could push for statutory changes that reward renewable energy for the air quality benefits it provides. All rights reserved Site design by Policy Communications, Inc.