Factors affecting renewable energy technology adoption policies of 50 states and district of Columbia in the USA

Renewable energy policies and adoption of new renewable energy technologies in different states of the USA are not uniform. The factors affecting the trends in adopting electrical energy generation using sustainable resources: wind, solar, hydro, geothermal and biomass as well as registered all electric vehicles in 50 states and district of Columbia in the USA was analyzed using multivariate linear regression analysis. Eight contributing factors: percentages of high school graduates; college graduates; total population; land area; percentage of water covered area; average annual income and registered democrats in the state were selected as predictor variables. Among eight factors considered, percentage of registered democrats was found as the most influencing factor (p = 0.00543) determining the renewable electrical energy adoption. The transition to all electric cars strongly co-related to higher average annual income of the population (p = 0.00141). In conclusion, an aggressive education campaign by environmentalist and pro-sustainability groups may help in de-coupling the energy and environment policies in the USA from political ideologies in order to achieve a more sustainable future. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

Renewable energy policies and adoption of new technologies in different states of the USA vary. Factors influencing the adoption of sustainable energy generation were analyzed using regression analysis, including the percentage of high school graduates, college graduates, total population, land area, water covered area, average annual income, and registered democrats. The study found that the percentage of registered democrats was the most influential factor in determining renewable energy adoption, while the transition to electric cars was strongly correlated with higher average annual income. An aggressive education campaign by environmentalist and pro-sustainability groups may help separate energy and environment policies from political ideologies in the USA for a more sustainable future.