Promoting Renewable Energy Generation in the United States: The Debate over Renewable Portfolio Standards

Author

Joe CerneFollow

Abstract

Incentivizing renewable energy growth in the 21^st century is, and will continue to be, a highly debated topic. As of late, legislative initiatives have prompted the enactment of various renewable portfolio standards aimed at stimulating renewable energy growth. Using data regarding each state’s energy production, this paper finds that there is no significant change in renewable energy output following the initiation of a renewable portfolio standard. We conclude that renewable energy growth is virtually unaffected by renewable portfolio standards and as such, we agree with much of the literature implying other means are necessary in order to adequately shift the energy portfolio of each of the United States.

First Advisor

Doug Goodman

Second Advisor

Lisa Johnson

Degree Type

Thesis

Format

PDF

URI

http://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/economics_theses/97

Language

English

Rights

Default Rights Statement.

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts in Economics

Date of Award

Spring 5-18-2014

Department

Economics

Recommended Citation

Cerne, Joe, "Promoting Renewable Energy Generation in the United States: The Debate over Renewable Portfolio Standards" (2014). Economics Theses. 97.
https://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/economics_theses/97