Why Clean Energy Matters to You

Introduction

When you hear the phrase “clean energy,” it often sounds like the perfect solution: solar panels shining in the sun, wind turbines spinning in the breeze, and a future without pollution. But here’s the thing—every energy source has a value chain (the full process from mining raw materials, to building technology, to producing power, to waste disposal). And, to determine just how “clean” a particular energy source is, you have to look every aspect of what it takes to bring that energy to you in a way that’s also reliable and affordable.

Along the value chain, energy is used, and energy is wasted. For example, making a single wind turbine requires mining huge amounts of rare earth metals, shipping them around the world, and using traditional to build and install the turbine. That’s not always “clean.” In fact, when you consider the entire process, so-called green energy may be no cleaner than traditional sources like natural gas or nuclear—sources that are also more reliable and often more affordable.

Why does this matter? Because the energy choices made today affect you, your family’s budget, and the future strength of the United States. You need energy that is affordable, reliable, and clean.