[ad_1] The Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) are a set of regulations that require a certain percentage of energy usage to come from renewable sources like wind, solar, or hydroelectric power. These standards have been around for decades and have been adopted by many states across the country. However, in order to combat climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently released new guidelines that set even more ambitious goals for states to meet.

The new guidelines call for states to increase their renewable energy usage to 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. This is a significant increase from the current average of 18.9% renewable energy usage across all states that have adopted RPS. While some states like California and Hawaii have already set ambitious goals for themselves, these new guidelines will push other states to follow suit.

One of the main reasons for this push towards more aggressive RPS goals is the need to combat climate change. The burning of fossil fuels is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and these emissions are causing global temperatures to rise. Renewable energy sources like wind and solar, on the other hand, do not emit greenhouse gases and are a cleaner alternative.

In addition to the environmental benefits, there are also economic benefits to adopting more renewable energy. Renewable energy industries like wind and solar are growing rapidly and are creating new jobs across the country. By increasing the demand for renewable energy, states can help spur this growth and create even more jobs.

While the new RPS guidelines are ambitious, they are also achievable. Many states have already made significant progress in increasing their renewable energy usage and have shown that it is possible to meet even more aggressive goals. However, it will require a commitment from state governments and utilities to invest in renewable energy infrastructure and make the necessary policy changes to support this growth.

In conclusion, the new RPS guidelines set by the NREL are a positive step towards reducing dependence on fossil fuels and combating climate change. While the goals are ambitious, they are achievable and have the potential to create economic benefits as well. As more and more states adopt these guidelines, we can expect to see increased investment in renewable energy infrastructure and continued growth in the renewable energy industry.[ad_2]