Federal Agencies Promoting Renewable Energy
In the United States several federal agencies are involved in promoting the gradual transition from fossil resources to renewable energy resources. The two main agencies include the U. S. Department of Energy and US Environmental Protection Authority. Under these organizations there are a number of sub-agencies and branches involved in renewable energy issues such as the US Energy Information Administration. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) located in Golden, Colorado, is the U. S. Department of Energy’s primary national laboratory for renewable energy, energy efficiency research and development, according to their mission statement in the NREL website: http://www. nrel. gov/.
The NREL develops renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and practices, advances related science and engineering, and transfers knowledge and innovations to address the nation’s energy and environmental goals. The NREL’s emphasis is on a comprehensive energy approach that encompasses the relationship among key systems:
• Fuel production
• Transportation
• The built environment
• Electricity generation and delivery
The NREL has adopted a system integration approach in order to accelerate the transformation of energy use and delivery systems in the United States. In addition, the US government’s commitment to a clean energy future is emphasized by government incentives and legislative actions like the Renewable Fuel Standards of Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.