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Clean Energy Programs

View the history and evolution of clean energy programs

The Past

A Brief History of Clean Energy Programs

Over the past few decades, numerous clean energy programs have been created to address the challenges of climate change, promote renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. These programs, ranging from tax incentives to proposals like the Green New Deal, demonstrate the continuity in the efforts to transition towards a sustainable energy future while addressing environmental concerns and economic opportunities.

Timeline

A history of clean energy programs

1978

46 years ago

Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) encourages the development of renewable energy and co-generation facilities by requiring utilities to purchase electricity from qualifying facilities at a fair price.

1992

32 years ago

The Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992 introduces tax incentives for renewable energy production, research, and development, aiming to promote the use of clean energy sources.

2005

19 years ago

The Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 2005 expands renewable energy tax credits, establishes a Renewable Fuel Standard, and promotes energy efficiency measures to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

2009

15 years ago

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) allocates funding for clean energy projects, including renewable energy generation, energy efficiency upgrades, and research and development initiatives.

2015

9 years ago

The Clean Power Plan sets carbon pollution standards for existing power plants, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector and promote the transition to clean energy sources.

2016

8 years ago

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty aiming to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with efforts to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius, largely through clean energy transitions.

2020

4 years ago

The Green New Deal proposes ambitious goals for transitioning the United States to 100% clean, renewable, and zero-emission energy sources, while also addressing economic inequality and creating green jobs.

2024

Today

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