Why are states failing to meet RE goals?

US Renewable Energy Targets

As Congress mulls over whether to impose national renewable energy standards, new research has revealed that a number of states are falling short of their goals to increase the use of renewable and sustainable energy.

Research by USA Today shows, out of the 35 states that have set goals to use more electricity from solar panels, windmills and other renewable forms of energy, according to a database funded by the Energy Department, nine have failed or expect to fail to meet their goals.

Some analysts argue that the results represent a certain level of naivety on Washington's part, as the put in place renewable energy targets with little regard for the potential challenges that face industries trying to adapt. In June, The House of Representatives passed a bill calling for 15 percent of the nation's electricity to come from alternative sources in 2020 - up from nine percent in 2008.

"There are sometimes unknown challenges when you begin a venture like this. Just because you want renewable energy doesn't mean it will happen," says Charles Benjamin of Western Resource Advocates, an environmental group.

The government's energy ambitions have been damaged by things like the recession and bureaucratic red tape preventing businesses from making swift changes to green-energy. However, perhaps the biggest obstacle currently in the way of states progressing as they should, is outdated power grids that make it extremely difficult to move solar or wind power from where it's made to where it's needed.

Among the states failing to live up to their renewable energy targets, according to the USA Today research, are California and Arizona.

California set a 2010 deadline to get 20 percent of its electricity from renewable sources. That won't be achieved until 2013 or 2014, according to a state report issued in July that said about 13 percent of the state's power in 2008 came from renewables. Among the obstacles was a delay in connecting renewable-energy projects to the state's power grid, according to the state's website.

In Arizona, the state planned to get 0.3 percent of its electricity from solar power generated at homes and businesses by 2009. That goal probably will not be met until 2011, says Kristin Mayes, chairwoman of the Arizona Corporation Commission, which oversees electric utilities. Mayes says the troubled economy has made residents and businesses reluctant to invest in solar panels.

The other states making up the nine are, New York, Ohio, Maryland, Massachusetts, Delaware, New Hampshire and New Jersey.

But the biggest failing has come from the Obama administration, in not making the possible difficulties states would face in their move towards renewable energy absolutely clear. A process needs to be put in place to help states adjust to a renewable future, because pretty much all the problems a state will face are solvable.

The stimulus package will help, but Washington need to provide local governments with more than just cash - they need advice and guidance to help make the transition from traditional to new energy sources swifter and easier.

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