Abstract |
This document helps state energy, environmental, and economic policy makers identify and quantify the many benefits of clean energy to support the development and implementation of cost-effective clean energy initiatives. This Resource identifies the multiple benefits of clean energy and explains why they should be quantified and considered along with costs. It starts by presenting clear, easy-to-understand background information on each type of benefit to help non-specialists understand how the benefits are generated and what can be done to maximize them. Building on that foundation, the Resource describes analytic options that states can explore as they conduct and review analyses of clean energy initiatives. It provides a framework for assessing multiple benefits, presenting detailed information on basic and more sophisticated approaches along with descriptions of tools for quantifying each type of benefit. It also includes many examples of how states have used multiple benefits approaches, along with additional resources for more information. This groundbreaking document is the first to organize and present a comprehensive review of the multiple benefits of clean energy, together with an analytical framework that states can use to assess those benefits during the development and implementation of clean energy policies and programs. |