May 28, 2003—A Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) study released in May found that, in the absence of federal leadership, nineteen states have acted to increase the nation’s supply of wind, solar, and other renewable energy resources. California and Nevada led the nation with grades of A- for committing to increase the amount of renewable electricity. However, thirty-four states received grades of D or F for failing to tap into renewables.
More than 90 percent of electricity generated in the United States comes from fossil fuel and nuclear power—energy sources that UCS says endanger the environment through mining, refining, waste disposal, and vulnerable delivery systems.
According to report, California, Nevada, Texas, Massachusetts, and New Mexico account for nearly 80 percent of the nation’s projected renewable gains.
The full report is available in PDF format through the UCS Web site.
