John Buie via Flickr; CC-BY 2.0

100% Renewable, Go Solar, Go Big On Offshore Wind

Through our Clean, Green & Renewable program, Environment America, our network of 29 state affiliates, and our members and activists in all 50 states are running three campaigns:

100% Renewable: The shift toward 100% renewable starts locally. We’re asking more than 50 college campuses, a dozen key cities and half a dozen key states to lead the way.

Go Solar: Smart public policies are key drivers of the incredible growth of solar power. We’re working to promote and defend solar in multiple cities and states.

Go Big on Offshore Wind: The winds that blow off our Atlantic Coast could provide 40% of the electricity Americans use today. We’re asking the governors of six states to take the initiative.

The Environment America approach

Michelle Kinman, Environment California

Nicolas Kaviani, NK Artography

Each of these campaigns aims to accelerate our country’s shift to clean energy in unique ways. But they share a common approach. Each campaign strives to:

Put the environment first. A healthy environment isn’t the hoped-for by-product of a fossil fuel-driven prosperity. It’s the necessary precondition and only sustainable source of a sound energy system for America and our communities. Through our research and public education, we’re working to shift more hearts and minds over to this point of view.

Take a strategic approach. We must think big and act boldly, but we recognize that progress comes one step at a time. Our focus is on making a difference in public policy and in our lives and our environment, not just making a statement.

Build on what works. We’ve won policies that have resulted in more solar and wind power, cleaner air, and reduced global warming pollution in 25 states. We know which policies work, how they can be improved, and what it takes to win their approval. As always, we’re also open to new ideas that work even better.

Work together. We work to unite people from all across the political spectrum around clean, renewable energy, whether it’s farmers in Iowa who benefit from wind turbines on their land or the environmentalists in California who want to store and share the solar energy generated on their rooftops. Our advocates in Washington, D.C., lobby members of Congress from both parties. Our advocates in the states build coalitions that include business owners, doctors and nurses, religious leaders and people from all walks of life. Our organizers and canvassers engage literally hundreds of thousands of people. Our members and activists live in all 50 states.