The production and distribution of energy is essential to our economy, and renewables are key to a sustainable future. By limiting our dependence on ozone-depleting fossil fuels, we can reduce the impact of climate change and improve the health of Americans.
Wind, solar, geothermal, and hydropower provide clean, affordable, reliable electricity without releasing any climate-warming gases into the atmosphere. Combining these sources with battery storage can make renewable energy available even when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing, overcoming one of the biggest obstacles to a transition away from fossil fuels.
Renewables produce much less air pollutants than traditional energy sources, including sulfur and nitrogen oxides, which can harm human health. Reducing these pollutants can lead to better air quality and limit the need for costly medical treatments.
Energy innovations powered by renewables can also offer major financial benefits, particularly for communities in underserved regions. This includes the creation of local jobs and the development of new, stable job markets. These economic opportunities can improve community ownership and participation in their energy systems, as well as strengthen energy security.
The rapid decline in the costs of solar and wind projects has made them cheaper than fossil fuels in two-thirds of the world. As technologies continue to evolve, they are expected to continue lowering their cost and become the lowest-cost source of power in even more places. Renewables can help stabilize and lower prices for other forms of energy, like heating oil, by reducing demand.