green electricity is power generated from renewable or sustainable energy resources. Unlike the energy produced from fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas, there is little or no air pollution or greenhouse gases released from renewable energy generation. And, unlike the energy that comes from nuclear power, renewable energy does not pose dangerous environmental impacts.

WIND POWER, a form of solar energy, is the world's fastest growing energy source. Wind turbine technology has greatly improved over the last ten years, making wind turbines quieter and more efficient so that electricity generated from the wind is now often competitive with traditional coal-fired and nuclear power stations. Click here to learn more about NYPIRG's Wind Power program.

SOLAR POWER is already being used to provide essential power in both remote and urban areas across the country. A solar photovoltaic (PV) module works by converting sunlight directly into electricity (even on cloudy days) using semiconductor technology. Solar energy can also be used to heat water directly using specially designed collectors. A third way to use solar energy is simply to design buildings to make maximum use of the sun. Using this so-called 'passive solar' approach, much of the energy that we currently use for heating, lighting and air conditioning can be saved.

SMALL LOW-IMPACT HYDROPOWER uses a river’s natural flow to generate electricity and emits no air pollution. On the other hand, high-impact hydro projects can change natural river flows, degrade water quality, block fish migration paths and flood lands and canyons.

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY comes from hot rocks deep underground. In some parts of the world steam comes to the surface and can be used to run steam turbines to produce electricity directly. In other places water can be pumped down and heated by the rocks to make steam. Geothermal energy can also be used to provide hot water and heating for buildings. Geothermal plants emit very little air pollution and so long as groundwater contamination is prevented have minimal impact on the environment.

THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW! To learn how you can make a positive contribution to supporting renewable energy and help to preserve the environment, visit NYPIRG’s Wind Power program. It's Your Choice!