Energy Foundation Home Search
Close
Our Work

Priorities and Progress

Our work accelerates the transition to a clean energy economy by supporting policy solutions that create robust, competitive markets and the benefits they bring.

Energy Optimization

We work to optimize energy use in the buildings where we live and work, which will reduce carbon emissions, cut energy bills, and provide healthier, more comfortable spaces. Our Energy Efficiency For All program seeks to ensure that everyone enjoys these benefits.

Power

Renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar provide clean, domestic energy and diversity to our energy portfolio. We promote policies that ensure access to these cost-effective technologies and modernize the power grid to deliver clean, reliable electricity.

Transportation

The transportation sector is responsible for nearly 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions and consumes 70 percent of the oil used in the U.S. We work to reduce energy use and pollution through policies that improve efficiency and promote electric vehicles.

Markets

Americans spend over $1 trillion annually on energy. We work to lower our national energy bill through competitive markets that encourage innovation, ensure market access for new technologies, and guide private capital toward clean solutions.

“Electric vehicles can have a positive impact on the grid, offer benefits to ratepayers, and address urgent public health and environmental issues.”

Patty Monahan, Program Director, Transportation

“Business and consumer demand for clean energy is driving local economic growth, and policymakers in states are finding ways to capitalize on economic opportunity.”

Jose Carmona, Program Director, California

“In partnership with leaders across sectors, we are working to show how targeted investment and alignment with community-based goals will lead to a large-scale, just transition to clean energy.”

Jennifer Somers, Senior Program Manager, Energy Efficiency For All

“The advent of new tools and technologies, and the strong push to bring more clean energy to market, is helping to drive new investment in our aging grid infrastructure.”

Curtis Seymour, Senior Policy Director, States and Regions

Clean Energy Jobs

Americans Reap Benefits of Clean Energy Jobs

From construction workers to solar installers to energy auditors, the fast-growing clean energy industry is providing well-paying American jobs—and the momentum continues. The annual U.S. Energy and Employment Report tells the story.

Total Solar and Wind Jobs by State:
0 – 9,999
10,000 – 29,999
30,000 – 49,999
50,000 – 99,999
100,000+

Source: Energy Employment by State

Energy Employment by State Placeholder
Energy Employment by State

Solar and Wind Generation

States Bring More Solar,Wind to Energy Mix

Policies such as Renewable Portfolio Standards—adopted by 29 states and the District of Columbia—are driving markets and shifting the energy mix to clean sources in states across the country. The U.S. Energy Information Administration tracks the data and trends.

Total Energy Derived from Solar and Wind
0% – 9.99%
10% – 29.99%
30% – 49.99%

Source: Energy Information Administration

Solar And Wind Energy Generation Placeholder
Solar And Wind Energy Generation
Story

Connecting the Dots on Advanced Energy Economic Opportunities

Advanced Energy Economy Institute educates policymakers on the benefits of the advanced energy sector.

Coalition Efforts Strengthen Country’s First Carbon Market
Story

Coalition Efforts Strengthen Country’s First Carbon Market

The country’s first carbon market provides economic, health, and other benefits to nine participating Northeast states.

Blog Post

Strategy Pivot 2 for Energy Optimization: Incentivizing Finance in Retrofits