In the first analysis, I used each year in each state’s history (since 1990) as a separate data point, resulting in 1,372 different data points. I analyzed emissions as a function of a year’s RPS percent, average credit multiplier, carve-out percents, emissions target, and whether special carbon pricing was in place. I did this to allow direct comparisons between different-sized states. The analyses used each state’s per capita energy-related carbon dioxide emissions as a percentage of their max value in the past 30 years. To analyze the effects of RPSs on state emissions, I ran two regression analyses. Other major factors that may affect emissions include statewide emissions targets and carbon taxes or other special carbon pricing. Delaware, for instance, has both carve-outs and credit multipliers for solar energy. The latter requires that a certain percent of the RPS requirement comes from a specific technology. solar, wind) toward their RPS requirement more than once. The former allows electricity suppliers to count specific technologies (e.g. The chief options explored are two variants on RPSs – credit multipliers and technology-specific RPS carve-outs. An example of a typical strong RPS is Hawaii, which aims for 100% renewable energy by 2045.īecause states with strong RPSs are likely to push for renewable energy via other options, these options must also be explored. About half of these RPSs have goals exceeding 50%, with several goals reaching 100% by or before 2045. Today, 30 states and Washington, D.C., have adopted enforceable RPSs. Almost every participating state followed in New Jersey’s footsteps, setting percentage goals. Other states followed suit starting just before the turn of the century. Eight years later, New Jersey passed its own RPS, the first percentage-based goal of the variety. It required the state’s two utility companies to own a combined total of 105 Megawatts of renewable energy production. Iowa adopted the first RPS in the United States – its Alternative Energy (Production) Law, enacted in 1983. RPSs requires electricity suppliers to source a given amount of their electricity from renewable sources. The most effective method for achieving the goals of RPSs is directly increasing the clean-energy percentage goals they set for utilities. RPSs are strengthened in several different ways, and the technology they aim to promote varies between states. Mobbs uses data from the Energy Information Administration and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, among other sources, to investigate the effects of implementing Renewable Portfolio Standards on emissions and economies of different states.įor many states, Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPSs) are a primary method of reducing energy-related emissions and promoting clean energy. Brent Mobbs, JURIST Digital Scholar 2020, discusses how sustainable technology can be further incentivized in the US, for individuals, businesses, and utility companies.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |