Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
forces and renewables deployment growing rapidly to account for roughly half
of new generation capacity installed in 2012.
With abundant clean energy solutions available, and building on the
leadership of states and local governments, we can make continued progress in
reducing power plant pollution to improve public health and the environment
while supplying the reliable, affordable power needed for economic growth.
By doing so, we will continue to drive American leadership in clean energy
technologies, such as efficient natural gas, nuclear, renewables, and clean coal
technology.
To accomplish these goals, President Obama is issuing a Presidential
Memorandum directing the Environmental Protection Agency to work
expeditiously to complete carbon pollution standards for both new and existing
power plants. This work will build on the successful first-term effort to
develop greenhouse gas and fuel economy standards for cars and trucks. In
developing the standards, the President has asked the Environmental
Protection Agency to build on state leadership, provide flexibility, and take
advantage of a wide range of energy sources and technologies including many
actions in this plan.
Promoting American Leadership in Renewable Energy:
During the
President's first term, the United States more than doubled generation of
electricity from wind, solar, and geothermal sources. To ensure America's
continued leadership position in clean energy, President Obama has set a goal
to double renewable electricity generation once again by 2020. In order to
meet this ambitious target, the Administration is announcing a number of new
efforts in the following key areas:
Accelerating Clean Energy Permitting:
In 2012 the President set a
goal to issue permits for 10 gigawatts of renewables on public lands
by the end of the year. The Department of the Interior achieved this
goal ahead of schedule and the President has directed it to permit an
additional 10 gigawatts by 2020. Since 2009, the Department of
Interior has approved 25 utility-scale solar facilities, nine wind farms,
and 11 geothermal plants, which will provide enough electricity to
power 4.4 million homes and support an estimated 17,000 jobs. The
Administration is also taking steps to encourage the development of
hydroelectric power at existing dams. To develop and demonstrate
improved permitting procedures for such projects, the Administration
will designate the Red Rock Hydroelectric Plant on the Des Moines
River in Iowa to participate in its Infrastructure Permitting Dashboard
