The rundown on renewable standards.

• Author: Durkay, Jocelyn
• Position: STATESTATS

Renewable energy is powering up across the nation--more than half of new energy sources announced for 2016 will be wind or solar. A key factor in this historic growth are state renewable energy mandates requiring, within a specific time frame, that a certain portion of utility sales be from renewable sources.

Iowa began the effort in 1983, and now 29 states, the District of Columbia and three territories have renewable portfolio standards. Eight states and one territory have voluntary goals. Renewable portfolio standards were designed to diversify energy sources, reduce emissions and promote economic development and job growth.

For the first time, several of these states either have eclipsed or are nearing their final target dates, forcing them to consider whether they will establish new targets, repeal final targets or maintain current standards but allow growth requirements to lapse. Part of the debate centers on whether these policies are still needed to drive renewable energy growth or whether energy markets would drive this growth in the absence of policy. This is the first year, for example, that the market, rather than portfolio requirements, is driving a majority of new utility solar installations.

So far, states nearing their final target dates have taken a variety of approaches. Montana, for example, left the mandate intact with no requirements for further growth, while New York increased its renewable standard. At press time, Michigan, Montana, Texas and Wisconsin--also with 2015 target deadlines--either had met or were projected to meet their final requirements.

The Participants

Thirty-seven states, four territories and the District of Columbia have requirements or goals to...