What is Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy comes from natural sources that are constantly and sustainably replenished. Harnessing energy from the wind, sun, water, plants, and other renewable sources will put America on the path to a cleaner environment, energy independence, and a stronger economy. The technologies featured here can contribute to better air quality, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and curb global warming, add good jobs to the economy and, when properly sited, protect environmental values such as habitat and water quality. Working together, policymakers, farmers and investors can help build a sustainable future for America and the planet.
Find out what kind of renewable energy makes economic sense for you.
Where Are The Best Renewable Energy Resources?
Every state in America can produce its own energy from clean, renewable sources, keeping millions of energy dollars in-state, reducing pollution, and creating new jobs and new sources of income. With the right policies in place, states can harness their own natural resources -- from farmland and sunshine to wind and skilled labor -- to develop a local renewable energy industry. The states spotlighted here have significant potential to benefit from renewable energy. More states will be added over time.
Find out which renewable energy sources make sense for your state.
Where Does Renewable Energy Come From?
Wind Energy
Wind energy costs about the same as electricity from new coal- and gas-fired power plants. And it's pollution-free.
Solar Energy
Inexhaustible and cheaper than ever, solar energy now powers everything from portable radios to homes, stores and neighborhoods.
Biomass Energy and Cellulosic Ethanol
Plant materials, such as wood, corn, and soy, account for nearly half the renewable energy in America -- but it's not always sustainable.
Biogas Energy
Farmers can reduce pollution and generate their own heat and electricity by converting animal waste into a clean-burning gas.
Geothermal Energy
Reservoirs of steam and hot water beneath the earth's surface hold enormous potential as a renewable energy resource.
Latest From 
- Join us for New York Solar Jobs Days
- posted by Pierre Bull, 5/10/12
- CPUC Plans To Rely on Clean Energy -- Not New Fossil Fuel Power Plants -- To Meet Customers' Needs
- posted by Sierra Martinez, 5/10/12
- The NY Solar Jobs Bill will benefit us all
- posted by Nathanael Greene, 5/10/12
- The World is Watching: Will G20 Countries Lead this June at the Earth Summit?
- posted by Jake Schmidt, 5/9/12
- LADWP Customers Want More Clean Power
- posted by Kristin Eberhard, 5/4/12
Other renewables
Hydrokinetic energy: The energy potential in gravity, wind, sun and the tides combine to make water in rivers, lakes and the ocean an important renewable energy resource -- but dams and other equipment in the water can have harmful ecological impacts.
