People see renewable energy as an environmental technology.
It cuts emissions, as well as the land and water impacts of conventional energy production. Yet even though renewables are a proven air pollution prevention technology, air pollution regulations usually do not incorporate renewables. This paper by David Wooley discusses the benefits of including renewables in emerging air pollution policy, and concludes that air regulators should incorporate renewables as a way to gradually reduce the air impact of electricity generation. It is equally important for environmental advocates to include renewables in their campaigns. Currently U.S. clean air advocates quietly push for more combined-cycle natural gas plants nationwide.