The benefits of renewable energy for the environment are well-known. Even so, policies that push for clean energy are being criticized by opponents who claim they increase electricity costs for consumers. A new report from Berkeley Lab’s Energy Analysis & Environmental Impacts department however, proves those claims wrong. The research group found that any increase in costs are far outweighed by the economic benefits derived from the environmental and health improvements that come with reaching the clean energy targets set in 29 states in the US. The study suggests an average of $2.2 billion in economic benefits will come from reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and another $5.2 billion in benefits from reductions in sulfur dioxide and other air pollutants. And as more states adopt renewable energies and the industry as a whole finds new improvements, then we can expect to see a lowering in electricity prices for consumers.
Benefits from renewable energy programs far outweigh costs
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