The Beginning of Renewable Energy in the U.S.

After the oil crisis in 1973, the U.S. quickly realized the necessity for conserving precious energy resources, thus beginning the initial push for developing renewable energy. Due to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) severely rationing oil supplies and controlling pricing with a vengeance, the U.S. energy industry was left in the lurch and scared that the oil market would crash.

In 1978, the National Energy Act became a landmark first step in beginning the research and development of renewable energy, but the push for renewable standards really began in the 1960s.

• National Environmental Policy Act and Clean Air Act (1969) Congress began to recognize the importance of legislation protecting the ecosystem and natural resources. Curbing the effects of air pollution was one of the first initiatives, as well as establishing the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ).
• The Geothermal Energy Association formed in 1972.
• The Clean Water Act in 1972 established standards for controlling waste discharge from power plants.
• Department of Energy (DOE) formed in 1977, and the Natural Gas Policy Act decreased price control at the wellhead (move to deregulation), which helped open competition in the natural gas market.
• The first U.S. wind farm was built in California in the early 80s, with more than 2,220 megawatts of available power, nearly half of global production at the time.
• Recent renewable energy standards has 24 states increasing the development and production of renewable energy.