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, we
produce a significant amount of renewable energy from hydroelectric
and biomass sources. To maximize the efficiency of waterpower, much
of our water passes 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?
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