26
Feb
The clean energy revolution is happening across the United States, but some states are leading the charge. The top 12 WWS states—California, Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington—have enacted strong policies to support the development of wind, water and solar energy. But how do they compare to the second tier WWS states?
According to research from Elsevier, the #WWS states are pioneering the clean energy economy. Not only do they have some of the highest percentages of electricity from renewable sources, but also some of the lowest costs. For example, South Dakota gets 55% of its electricity from wind and 29.2% from hydro, and has the 7th-lowest electricity costs in the U.S. Among the top 12 WWS states, 8 are in the 13 states with the lowest costs.
The natural and policy environments in these states cultivate innovation, allowing forward-thinking companies to thrive. However, accessing capital to scale new technologies and business models remains a challenge, especially for groups like veterans, women, and minority business owners. Programs like the State Small Business Credit Initiative (#SSBCI) aim to address this need.
Successful Strong Policies In Top Tier WWS States
Here are some examples of strong policies that were successful in the top tier states that the second tier might emulate:
These policies have created jobs, reduced pollution, and combated climate change. Second tier WWS states can replicate these successes by enacting similar policies.
Here are some additional details about the successful policies from top tier WWS states mentioned above:
By enacting strong policies and investing in clean energy, second tier WWS states can create jobs, reduce pollution, and combat climate change. These states have the potential to be leaders in clean energy and climate action, and they should not be overlooked.
Second tier WWS states are as follows:
Second tier WWS states have the potential to be leaders in clean energy and climate action, but they are not yet on par with the top tier states. According to research from #Elsevier, the average percentage of electricity from renewable sources in second tier states is 25%, compared to 45% in top tier states. The average electricity costs in second tier states are also higher than in top tier states, with the average cost being 15% higher.
There are a number of reasons why second tier states have not yet made as much progress in clean energy as top tier states. One reason is that second tier states tend to have less renewable energy resources, such as wind and solar power. Another reason is that second tier states tend to have more conservative political climates, which makes it more difficult to enact strong clean energy policies.
Despite these challenges, there are a number of second tier states that are making progress in clean energy. For example:
By continuing to make progress in clean energy, second tier states can help to create a more sustainable future for the United States.
The clean energy revolution is an opportunity for businesses to grow and innovate. Companies that are able to develop and deploy clean energy technologies will be well-positioned for success in the years to come.
If you’re interested in learning more about the clean energy revolution, sign up for our Sustainable Investing Digest. Subscribe on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7053058780464345088 We’ll send you regular updates on the latest trends, innovations and opportunities in the renewable, clean tech and water sectors.
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