Renewable Energy

Decentralization of the Power Grid

Decentralization of the Power Grid

Retail electricity sales have remained stagnant since 2007, despite a 4% increase in the customer base. To effectively combat the coming issues, the utilities will have to work with regulators
and small-scale renewable energy providers to develop equitable solutions that incorporate all
relevant interests. 

A Section 201 Solar Flare Up

A Section 201 Solar Flare Up

Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974 functions as a strong trade remedy and authorizes
the President to implement trade barriers to protect domestic industries that have been injured or
threatened by an import. Earlier this Sspring, solar cell manufacturer Suniva, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, attributing its financial struggles to increased imports. President Trump’s 2017 trade policy agenda, along with his support for American manufacturing and his want for tariffs, make it
likely some remedy will be imposed on foreign made solar cells and panels.

Cooperative Federalism as a Solution to the Climate Crisis

Cooperative Federalism as a Solution to the Climate Crisis

Two years ago, the deeply conservative state of Kansas repealed a law requiring twenty percent of the state’s electric power to come from renewable sources by 2020, seemingly delivering a blow to the state’s environmentalists. Kansas zipped past that twenty percent goal in 2014 and actually produced more than thirty percent of its energy from wind by 2016. This underscores the reality that some of the fastest growth in renewable energy is occurring in states led by Republican governors and legislators.