Plugging In Renewable Energy

America's electricity system is dominated by fossil fuels. The result is a system that lacks diversity and security, threatens the health of our citizens, jeopardizes the stability of Earth's climate, and robs future generations of clean air, clean water, and energy independence.

This report assigns grades to each of the 50 states based on their commitment to supporting wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources. We measure commitment by the projected results of renewable electricity standards for electric companies and dedicated renewable electricity funds. Current state renewable energy generation is also considered. State renewable energy purchases, voluntary programs, and unenforceable goals are discussed but not considered in the grading. We also compare the total development realized from state commitments with federal legislative proposals and each state's renewable energy potential. Our analysis shows that 19 states have stepped in to fill a leadership vacuum at the federal level by taking important first steps toward developing a clean energy system.