Recently, U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm visited Tampa, Florida to emphasize the importance of clean energy infrastructure to lowering costs for Americans and reducing our dependence on other energy sources. Granholm toured the Hillsborough River Dam with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. There are plans to build two hydroelectric turbines on the river. This is a step in the city’s clean energy implementation.
In 2021, Tampa committed to 100% renewable energy use by 2035. Mayor Jane Castor and the City of Tampa created Resilient Tampa, a roadmap that will assist with climate risks and economic and social inequalities. One goal is to strengthen the city’s infrastructure and eventually transitioning all municipal operations to renewable energy.
"The work of building a more resilient city has never been more urgent, as Tampa is being tested in a way it has never been tested before," said Mayor Jane Castor.
Tampa isn’t the only one introducing more renewable energy standards, so is the United States. In June, President Biden authorized the Department of Energy (DOE) to utilize the Defense Production Act (DPA) to increase domestic production of solar energy, transformers and electric grid components, heat pumps, insulation, and electrolyzers. This is to lower energy costs for citizens, increase national security, and have a strong American energy independence. The goal is to have more clean energy independence.
The popularity of renewable energy sources has increased over the years, and the price of implementing them has gone down. Renewable energy benefits our environment, allows for more American energy independence, creates jobs, and lowers energy costs significantly. Along with more use of renewable energy, there is energy efficiency. Energy efficiency can start with simple changes, such as improving lighting or windows in residential and commercial buildings.
