Why Clean Energy Matters

THE TRANSITION TO A CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMY WILL ENHANCE THE LIVES OF ALL AMERICANS. A clean energy economy is a domestic energy system fueled by profitable clean energy generation and supported by a strong manufacturing base, resulting in a balance across all industries between the amount of emissions produced and those removed from the atmosphere (net-zero emissions). Renewable energy sources can provide affordable, reliable energy without producing harmful emissions. U.S. clean energy innovation and manufacturing create jobs, improve community resilience, and bolster national security.

Electric Vehicle

Transitioning the nation to 100% clean energy comes with challenges and opportunities. EERE is working with federal partners, state, local, and tribal governments, nonprofit and community organizations, small businesses and corporations, industry, academia, and utilities to address challenges and opportunities in the following areas:

Why Is Clean Energy Important? Accessibility and Affordability Providing all Americans with affordable clean energy, especially those in underserved and low-income communities, has an immediate and tangible impact on their daily lives. Innovation Advancing renewable-energy, energy-efficient, and sustainable-transportation technologies will transform U.S. communities and spur economic opportunity. Job Creation and Growth Clean energy research, innovation, and deployment creates jobs and supports the growth of American businesses. Environmental Impacts Renewable energy has fewer harmful environmental impacts than conventional energy does and can reduce the impacts of climate change. Health and Safety Transitioning to clean energy protects every American’s fundamental human right to a clean, healthy environment. Energy Independence and Security Clean energy in the United States will reduce the need to rely on other countries for energy or energy technologies. Energy Reliability Using more renewable energy resources—solar, water, wind, geothermal, and bioenergy—and energy storage gives us more ways to keep the power on or bring it back after an outage. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) STEM education and expertise are building blocks of the clean energy workforce. Diversity in STEM ensures a variety of perspectives, which supports greater innovation and American competitiveness. Domestic Manufacturing and Competitiveness Producing American-made clean energy technologies is the fastest, most effective, and most lucrative pathway to a renewable energy future in the United States. Resilience A modern electric grid that incorporates renewable energy sources can support reliable power under harsh weather, cyber threats, and dynamic grid conditions.

Source:

Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (energy.gov).