RENEWABLE ENERGY

Why is this important?

Conservation and the prudent use of our natural resources are important aspects of a socially responsible society. Societal choice to use renewable resources for the production of energy is a key indicator of this.

The California Renewable Portfolio Standard directs utilities to have 20% renewable energy in their procurement mix by 2017.

What is the measure?

We measured the number of local hydropower, biomass co-generation, and solar and wind plants that produce electricity from renewable resources within the county.

How are we doing?

Because of the abundance of natural resources in our county, Tuolumne County produces a great deal of renewable energy from hydroelectric and biomass sources. To maximize the efficiency of water power, much of our water has passed through more than one hydroelectric facility. We produce no discernible power from wind or solar sources.

A challenge we face is that as public demand increases, will we be able to produce sufficient energy that is economic, efficient, and environmentally safe?