States step up race toward clean energy targets, validated by Biden green goal

摘要

The US now has 20 states, plus Washington DC, with aggressive plans in the works for 100% renewable power, carbon-free power or net-zero emissions, roughly double the number from a year-ago, while 12 states still have not initiated any clean energy plans. The most recent additions to this list include Massachusetts, Minnesota and Illinois where lawmakers either introduced bills or announced plans. The Arizona Corporation Commission is also expected to vote soon on a proposal for 100% carbon-free power by 2050, although the state legislature introduced measures to limit the commission’s ability to set energy policy and instead give that authority to the legislature. While US federal incentives are ramping down – barring a renewal by the new administration or new legislation – there continues to be constant push at the state, utility and at the corporate level for building more renewables, said Manan Ahuja, S&P Global Platts Analytics senior director of North American power. Several states are committing to offshore wind mandates, storage mandates and increasing Renewable Portfolio Standards.