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Local Renewal Energy Benefits

Energy Resources for State and Local Governments​

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Overview​

Local governments can dramatically reduce their carbon footprint by purchasing or directly generating electricity from clean, renewable sources.

The most common renewable power technologies include:

  • Solar (photovoltaic, solar thermal)
  • Wind
  • Biogas (e.g., landfill gas/wastewater treatment digester gas)
  • Geothermal
  • Biomass
  • Low-impact hydroelectricity
  • Emerging technologies - wave and tidal power

Local governments can lead by example by generating energy on–site, purchasing green power, or purchasing renewable energy. Using a combination of renewable energy options can help meet local government goals especially in some regions where availability and quality of renewable resources vary.

Options for using renewable energy include:

  • Generating renewable energy on-site using a system or device at the location where the power is used (e.g., PV panels on a state building, geothermal heat pumps, biomass-fueled combined heat and power).
  • Purchasing green power through a green power procurement process that involves the generation of renewable energy certificates (RECs).
  • Purchasing renewable energy from an electric utility through a green pricing or green marketing program, where buyers pay a small premium in exchange for electricity generated locally from green power resources.

...More information from the EPA

Why the EPA and this Guide is important to us​

This is a excellent source for information on all of the different types of technologies that don't use fossil fuels for energy. There is good information how you can purchase green power in your area.