Cleaner Air and Bigger Markets
for Renewable Energy

Study Finds Revamped Air Regulations Can Help Generate $1.3 Billion for Renewable Energy Industry

Washington, DC—A new approach to the US Clean Air Act may help expand the market for renewable energy—by as much as an estimated $1.3 billion annually, according to a new report released by Renewable Energy Policy Project (REPP-CREST). The report is good news for business and consumers, particularly as the world looks to alternatives to traditional energy sources.

Author David Wooley looks at integrating the Clean Air Act and renewable energy policies in "A Guide to the Clean Air Act for the Renewable Energy Community." Wooley outlines a series of effective policies that both expand markets for renewable energy technologies, and protect the environment.

Wooley writes, "The revised Clean Air Act could result in more complete protection from acid rain, smog and utility toxics and at least a first step toward climate protection. It may also be the policy event by which energy policy will be intertwined with air quality more than ever before, this time on a global scale."

"As it is interpreted, the Clean Air Act neglects to promote renewable energy," said Roby Roberts, executive director of REPP-CREST "Electricity generated by fossil fuel accounts for more than half the air pollutants we breathe, leading to higher asthma rates for our children and the elderly. Renewables continue to offer appealing alternatives to traditional electricity generation."

Wooley, a professor of Environmental & Energy Law at Pace University, finds potential boon for renewables in the Clean Air Act. By evaluating emissions trading values and electricity generating capacities of each technology, Wooley calculates a total value for renewables of $1.3 billion annually. The report also examines scenarios of avoided emissions by generating electricity using renewables in 2010, totaling 138 million tons of carbon dioxide, 105,750 tons of nitrogen oxide and 1.4 million tons of sulfur dioxide.

"This report explains the complex issues such as emissions trading and the energy market. Wooley's conclusions suggest ways for renewable energy businesses, policy makers and clean air advocates to work together to craft legislation that makes sense for the environment and for renewables. The 'Guide' should serve as essential tool for all those concerned with cleaner air," said Virinder Singh, research manager at REPP-CREST.

REPP-CREST explores the emerging relationships among markets, policy and public demand for renewable energy.

Contact MK Campbell at 202-293-2898, or visit REPP's website for pdf copies of: "A Guide to the Clean Air Act for the Renewable Energy Community" by David Wooley.

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