By Lucas Nelsen, former staff member
Last year, the Environmental Protection Agency released the final version of the Clean Power Plan. It sets ambitious but achievable goals to reduce carbon emissions from energy generators by 2030.
An important aspect is that states have the ability to create their own plan to meet emission targets. Each state can determine how to best meet reduction goals in a way that benefits them.
Last year also saw the extension of several credits that have spurred new renewable energy development. Extending credits has provided certainty for future plans to build more renewable energy in the US.
Both of these factors make 2016 an important year for how we generate and consume energy. Midwestern states are in an especially good position to build clean and renewable energy to replace sources with high carbon emissions and help their local economies.
But don’t overlook another essential piece of the puzzle. To meet Clean Power Plan goals, we need the infrastructure to effectively move around new renewable energy.
Several projects to improve and update our electric transmission infrastructure have already been approved. Some had started or completed construction by the end of 2015.
As states form their plans and developers begin to look for new opportunities to build projects, it is key that we also make modernizing our electric grid a priority. Planning and building an effective transmission system is not only a vital part of meeting carbon reduction goals, but also a big part of building renewables in new places where they can benefit local communities and landowners.
For more information on the importance of transmission and to learn more about current projects, visit our transmission database.
