A growing number of local governments are turning to renewable energy as a strategy to reduce GHGs, improve air quality and energy security, boost the local economy, and pave the way to a sustainable energy future. Renewable energy resources--such as solar, wind, biomass, hydropower, and landfill gas--reduce GHG emissions by replacing fossil fuels. Renewables also reduce emissions of conventional air pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide, that result from fossil fuel combustion. In addition, renewable energy can create jobs and open new markets for the local economy, and can be used as a hedge against price fluctuations of fossil fuels. Local governments using renewable energy can demonstrate leadership, helping to spur additional renewable energy investments in their region. Local governments can promote renewable energy by using it to help meet their own energy needs in municipal operations, and by encouraging its use by local residents and businesses. The renewable energy guides in this series present three strategies that local governments can use to gain the benefits of renewables: purchasing green power (see the guide on green power procurement), generating energy from renewable sources on-site (see the guide to on-site renewable energy generation), and generating renewable energy from landfill gas.