Renewable energy is attracting more attention and more investment because Renewable Portfolio Standards have been implemented in several states to reduce energy produced from traditional fossil fuel energy plants that are known to emit excessive carbon into the atmosphere. Renewable Portfolio Standards require increased production of energy from renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and geothermal.
A few examples of states taking action to create more energy from renewable sources are California, Nevada, and Oregon. Governor Brown signed into law SB-350 that requires 50% renewable energy by 2030, the closure of 2,200 MW San Onofre nuclear power plant, and the retirement of 19,000 GWh of coal burning power plants. Nevada SB-123 requires closure of ~1200 MW of Coal plants replaced with at least 600 MW of renewables. Oregon SB-1547 requires 50% renewable energy by 2040 and discontinues coal generation by 2030.