Clean Energy: Turn Up Renewables

 

Our energy choices have direct implications for our health, our environment, and our climate—and right now we are dangerously dependent on coal and other fossil fuels for most of our electricity needs.

Power generation is a leading cause of air pollution and the single largest source of U.S. global warming emissions.
Coal is the worst offender, a dirty energy source that produces less than half our electricity but more than 80 percent of all power plant carbon emissions, along with significant and harmful levels of pollutants that degrade our environment and adversely impact our health.

There’s a better, cleaner way to meet our energy needs.
Renewable energy resources like wind and solar power generate electricity with little or no pollution and global warming emissions—and could reliably provide up to 40 percent of U.S. electricity needs within the next 20 years.

our analysis

Infographic: The Energy-Water Collision

Clean Energy Investments by California Public Utilities

Powering the Midwest Economy with Clean Energy

From Our Blog

Misguided D.C. Circuit Court Ruling Blocks Limits on Harmful Pollution from Power Plants, Rachel Cleetus
The 2012 U.S. Drought and Our Future, Doug Boucher
Disputes and Rising Costs Spell Trouble for the Vogtle Nuclear Plant, Ellen Vancko

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To move America toward a cleaner, healthier energy future, we need smart policy decisions focused on two primary goals: Increase renewable energy and decrease the use of coal.

Where Does Our Electricity Come From?

A variety of energy sources can be used to generate electricity, including coal, natural gas, nuclear power, and renewable resources like wind, water, plants, and the sun.
More on our energy choices

Smart Energy Solutions

Government policies can either prop up dirty and dangerous energy sources like coal and nuclear power or support clean renewable electricity and increased energy efficiency—better, smarter solutions that benefit our health, our climate, and our pocketbooks.
More on smart energy solutions

Energy and Water in a Warming World

Generating electricity from energy sources like coal, biomass, and nuclear power requires water. A lot of water. This creates significant challenges and environmental costs—a problem that will only intensify as the Earth warms and water resources decline in many areas.
More on energy and water use

Energy Efficiency: The Ultimate Clean Energy

If we use energy more efficiently, we need less of it in the first place. This decreases demand for new power plants and saves money for both families and businesses. It’s a pollution- free solution that is essential for our transition to a clean energy future.
More on energy efficiency

Click here to read all above:

http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/