The quest for renewable energy is a goal of most nations and their citizens. Since renewable energy is derived locally, it creates local jobs, improves national security; stabilizes prices; and reduces in many cases pollution and improves water and air quality. Renewable energy encompasses biofuels, solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower and others.

Renewable energy can be harnessed from resources like wind, solar, hydro, and biofuels. Most forms of renewable energy are readily transformable into electricity, for distribution through existing power grids and infrastructure. Renewable electricity and biofuels can be used to power cars and trucks, reducing reliance on standard oil products and sources.

In addition to the use of renewable energy, energy efficiency in programs, systems and policies can reduce the demands from all sources, further reducing cost, consumption and pollution.

TCI is a board member on the United States 25x'25 action plan that supports by the year 2025, America's farms, ranches and forests will provide 25 percent of the total energy consumed in the United States, while continuing to produce safe, abundant and affordable food, feed and fiber. With energy demand in the U.S. projected to increase 24% by 2025, the action plan, combined with strong efficiency measures, provides a roadmap for safely, securely, and profitably meeting this demand. Specifically, the plan calls for supportive policies in each of five areas:

• Increasing production of renewable energy
• Delivering renewable energy to markets
• Expanding renewable energy markets
• Improving energy efficiency and productivity
• Strengthening conservation of natural resources and the environment

While the scale of the 25x'25 action is aggressive, TCI believes these goals are not unique to the U.S. Other countries, states and industries share the goal of clean, efficient, renewable energy, and TCI provides a wide range of services in charting and achieving those goals.