Harvard Environmental Law Review

renewable energy

Upholding Clean Energy in Colorado—and Hopefully Beyond

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By Samantha Caravello—November 17 at 7:26 a.m. Acting as laboratories for energy policy, some states have been much more effective than the federal government in promoting renewable energy development, often through the enactment of Renewable Portfolio Standards (“RPS”). RPSs require electricity-selling companies to generate a minimum percentage of their electricity from … [Read more...] about Upholding Clean Energy in Colorado—and Hopefully Beyond

The Uncertain Future of the Northern Pass

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By Ted Hamilton -- Dec. 3, 2013 at 12:11pm With the recent announcements that the Vermont Nuclear Power Station will go off-line next year and that Brayton Point, the region’s large coal plant, is ceasing operations by 2017, the face of New England energy is going through a rapid transformation. As environmentalists call for a greener grid and policymakers search for new … [Read more...] about The Uncertain Future of the Northern Pass

Smart Rules for the Smart Grid (HELR Podcast)

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By Sachin Desai -- Oct. 24, 2013 at 8:18am What makes the Smart Grid “smart”?  Of course the technology plays a role.  Grid-scale batteries allow renewable energy generators to be more competitive.  New smart meters allow homeowners to know which appliances are energy hogs.  However, what also makes the Smart Grid “smart” is legal in nature.  In particular, a unique approach … [Read more...] about Smart Rules for the Smart Grid (HELR Podcast)

Expediting Innovation

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By Sarah Tran Private incentives to innovate and commercialize many technologies are often inadequate in terms of their social benefits. With America’s economic leadership position at risk of slipping, it becomes increasingly important to consider what measures public entities can take to promote the innovation and commercialization of those technologies that are essential to … [Read more...] about Expediting Innovation

Expanding Regional Renewable Governance

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By Hannah Wiseman Energy drives economies and quality of life, yet accessible traditional fuels are increasingly scarce. Federal, state, and local governments have thus determined that renewable energy development is essential and have passed substantial requirements for its use. These lofty goals will fail, however, if policymakers rely upon existing institutions to govern … [Read more...] about Expanding Regional Renewable Governance