At least half of the 50 states can achieve energy self-sufficiency – meet all their internal energy needs from renewable energy generated inside their borders – with the help of locally-focused federal energy policy, says a report released by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR). They hope President-elect Obama will use the information to inform energy policy.
"Renewable energy is unique because some form of it is available everywhere," says John Farrell, one of the authors. "But federal policy unaccountably supports centralized renewable power and provides incentives for heavy investments in a nationwide transmission infrastructure to get that energy to the final customer. That’s regrettable because homegrown and locally owned renewable energy is almost always cheaper, especially when you factor in social, environmental and economic benefits."
A state like Nevada has significantly more annual solar energy than Oregon. North Dakota’s high wind speeds translate into lower production costs.
Policies that encourage energy self-reliance at a state and even at the local level could enable communities and regions to achieve economic and environmental goals simultaneously.
The report, "Energy Self-Reliant States: Homegrown Renewable Power," provides a state-by-state estimate of the amount of electricity and transportation fuels that could be generated by wind energy, solar energy, and biomass.
"We believe our estimates are conservative", says David Morris, Vice President of ILSR. "Yet even with these conservative assumptions, the dramatic conclusions should lead to a major revision in key federal and state energy policies."
About ILSR:
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance is a nonprofit organization founded in 1974 to advance sustainable, equitable, and community-centered economic development through research, education and technical assistance. www.ilsr.org
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