Sustainable energy is derived from natural resources and is clean and renewable. Sustainable energy releases far fewer greenhouse gases than fossil fuels and hence causes less air pollution. It is way better for the health of human beings and animals that live on this planet. It is becoming increasingly important to make use of sustainable energy to counter the effects of climate change on the environment and to move towards a more sustainable future. By using multiple sustainable energy sources, it could be possible to replace or actually completely phase out fossil fuels.
The most common forms of sustainable energy are solar power, wind power, and hydropower. These sustainable energy sources are easily replenished. They are environmentally friendly and, moreover, economically viable.
Because of the great advantages that sustainable energy brings, the U.S. government has recognized its value. It has come up with various state programs and incentives to promote sustainable renewable energy. Some ways in which the U.S. government is promoting sustainable energy across the country are given below.
Incentives For Sustainable Energy
The U.S. government offers several incentives, such as low-interest financing for sustainable energy products, loans that are subordinated, and grants to help with maintenance. All incentives are available for people who want to benefit from sustainable energy programs. Along with the above, the U.S. government gives incentives to homes that want to go for energy-efficient improvements or to businesses that want to make investments in or switch to renewable energy and its production.
Financing
The Renewable energy finance policy helps in providing grants to projects that are highly costly, large, and of long duration. These funds are mainly given to those state offices that are dealing with renewable and sustainable energy options and agencies of the government that work to aid the spread of sustainable energy within the U.S..
The California Energy Commission grants the fund for these developmental projects. In addition, many states of the U.S. offer rebates, tax credits, and loans to the public to encourage the people and their community to build a sustainable future. Furthermore, the government also keeps a record of the incentives that the state has offered.
EPA Programs
Sustainable Power Partnership (GPP) is a program of the Environmental Protection Agency which provides assistance by offering advice, support, tools, and other resources. The GPP has joined hands with a large number of companies, universities, colleges, organizations, and local and state government agencies to promote sustainable energy operations. The AgSTAR program promotes more sustainable energy use through reducing emissions of the same gas from the waste of livestock.
Another collaboration promoting landfill gas as an environmentally friendly energy source is the Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP). The LMOP is helping the state protect the environment by restraining or eliminating methane gas emissions from landfills.
The combined heat and power partnership (CHP) This partnership has been set up to decrease The impact of power generation on the environment. The CHP works intimately with the government (local as well as state), energy users, and stakeholders to aid them in new projects, which will give rise to environmental and economic benefits.
Contaminated lands, mines, and landfills have renewable energy potential. The government is providing resources to anyone (be it a developer or an industry, or even a community) interested in utilizing these current and former sites for development.
Renewable sustainable energy diversifies the supply of energy and reduces the state’s dependence on fuel imports. It creates economic development and jobs in various sectors of manufacturing and installation.