Renewable energy mandates on front burner.

• Author: Durkay, Jocelyn
• Position: TRENDS & TRANSITIONS

Renewable energy continues to be a hot topic in legislatures. Thirty states considered a wide variety of bills last year on Renewable Portfolio Standards, which require utilities to buy a certain quantity of renewable energy by a specific date. Currently, 29 states and Washington, D.C., have some type of Renewable Portfolio Standard, and another eight states have voluntary targets. These standards drive the country's $36 billion market for wind, solar, biomass and other renewable technologies.

Even though renewable sources can be more expensive than electricity from gas or coal, rapidly declining costs have made renewables competitive in a number of regions. Supporters say any potential added costs are worth it because renewables boost energy diversity and provide a hedge against increasing fuel costs. Renewables also are integral to many state efforts to reduce pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.

But critics argue renewables increase costs for consumers or do little to improve the environment. With natural gas prices at an all-time low, they advocate for a free market approach to determine what source of power utilities should purchase. Last year, lawmakers in 17 states considered 30 bills to repeal Renewable Portfolio Standards altogether, extend compliance deadlines for utilities or reduce the percentage of renewable energy required. None of the bills have passed, although bills in nine states are pending or were carried over...