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Dr. Jonathan Pershing of the World Resources Institute argues that energy security and climate goals are often aligned but require an integrated policy framework to avoid conflicts. He proposes effectiveness and political feasibility criteria to evaluate policies, noting that while efficiency and renewables offer 'double wins,' other options like natural gas imports or corn-based biofuels can create security risks or environmental damage. The testimony provides specific policy recommendations for the US regarding cap-and-trade, production tax credits, transportation, and biofuels, while also highlighting the vulnerability of developing nations and the risk of climate-induced conflict and migration.

The document defines Renewable Electricity Standards (RES) as policies requiring a minimum percentage of electric power to come from eligible renewable sources. It details how these standards create market demand for clean energy, the types of eligible resources, and the potential for business opportunities through the sale of electricity or renewable energy credits (RECs). The text also outlines the state-level adoption of RES in the U.S. as of 2008 and discusses the legislative history and arguments surrounding a proposed national RES.

The analysis concludes that biomass is a limited resource that should play a minor role in energy production, with priority given to carbon removal, chemicals production, and next-generation fuels over crop-based biofuels. It warns that demand for biomass could exceed sustainable supply, potentially leading to land use changes that increase greenhouse gas emissions, and recommends accelerating electrification and energy efficiency to reduce biomass demand.

The document introduces an Economic Returns Framework designed to evaluate the sustainable development impacts of renewable energy (RE) in India. By calculating the Economic Rate of Return (ERR), the framework aims to move beyond simple financial analysis to include societal costs and benefits, thereby better informing policy choices and aligning RE targets with sustainable development goals. The paper demonstrates this approach by estimating the ERR for wind, biomass, small hydro, and both ground-mounted and rooftop solar power in India.

The World Resources Institute argues that while biofuels can serve as a domestic substitute for petroleum and offer lower emissions than fossil fuels, their actual impact on emissions and the environment depends on the specific feedstocks and conversion processes used. Consequently, the WRI emphasizes that US policies promoting the biofuels industry must be carefully designed to minimize negative environmental and economic impacts.

Virginia can achieve nearly 80 percent of the EPA's emission rate target for 2020-2030 through planned coal plant retirements and the use of combined heat and power (CHP) and natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) plants. To meet the remainder of the target, the state can implement energy efficiency measures to achieve 1.3 percent annual energy savings and increase renewable energy generation to 15 percent by 2025, leveraging untapped wind and solar potential.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) provides as-delivered CO2 emissions rates to directly-served customers since 2012 and local power company (LPC) customers with demand over 5 MW since 2017. Unlike standard annual consumption rates, TVA uses hourly electric consumption profiles compared to the annual hourly TVA system CO2 emission rate to determine supplier-specific figures for market-based Scope 2 reporting. To support these customers, TVA developed a spreadsheet tool that allows users to compare the cost and Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) consumption differences between renewable energy goals and clean energy goals, with options to customize generation sources such as biomass and nuclear.

The document defines Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) as tradable instruments representing one megawatt hour (MWh) of renewable electricity generation. It distinguishes between compliance markets, driven by state policies like Renewable Portfolio Standards, and voluntary markets driven by consumer preference. The text highlights the importance of third-party certification, such as Green-e®, to ensure credibility and outlines how factors like technology type and local demand influence pricing. It further clarifies that RECs differ from carbon offsets and explains the distinction between bundled green electricity and unbundled REC purchases.

The document outlines job creation potential for coal truckers transitioning to biomass supply chains in South Africa, highlighting that lignocellulosic biomass offers the highest employment potential, with 3,076 driver jobs possible in coal regions alone.