The term “clean energy” is used in policy-making circles, at all levels of government. President Obama has proposed a goal of producing 80 percent of U.S. electricity from “clean energy” sources by 2035. However, different definitions of clean, differing metrics, and differing goals, among other reasons, makes this a complex issue. And, different and divergent paths of progress toward clean energy have been proposed by industry and in academic studies.

Two briefings are described here. The first explores some of the dimensions of “clean” electricity generation, examining the trade-offs involved and how different clean energy solutions impact land and water use and other aspects of environment concern. The second briefing highlights perspectives on innovation in clean energy.

The U. S. News & World Reports has prepared some useful commentary on Clean or Green Energy from the perspective of projects that can or should be supported by U.S. cities and/or the federal government.

[Read the U.S. News debate: Should the Government Invest in Green Energy? ]

Check out the U.S. News energy blog.
See a slide show of 10 Clean Energy green jobs winners.
See a slide show of 10 cities adopting Smart Grid technology.