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Hydropower and solid biomass generate the majority of renewable power. However, biofuels, wind, and solar energy have become important additional resources. Consumption of biofuels and other renewable energy resources (other than hydropower) more than doubled between 2000 and 2017, mainly in response to federal and state requirements or incentives. The surge in production was particularly sharp for wind power, and to some extent also for solar power. As the reliance on renewable energy forms an essential part of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, further expansion of the renewable energy supply is expected in coming years.

Renewable energy resources accounted for approximately 17% of the electricity generated in 2017. The United States does not have a national target for renewable energy or an explicit federal support mechanism. However, various federal programmes support research and development projects related to renewable energies, and regulations encourage their use, for example by requiring transportation fuel to include a minimum level of renewable fuel. At the state level, 29 states and the District of Columbia have "renewable portfolio standards" or similar binding targets for renewable energy, and eight states and one territory have set non-binding targets. States apply numerous measures, including tax credit schemes, energy metering, and certification programmes, to promote the development and use of renewable energy sources. [57]

[57] According to the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center, its DSIRE database is the most comprehensive source available on state incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States.

The management of used fuel, including the disposal of high-level waste, is the responsibility of the Federal Government. A charge has been levied on sales of electricity generated by nuclear power since 1982. The proceeds have been accumulated in the Nuclear Waste Fund, which was set up to finance the permanent and safe disposal of highly radioactive waste. The Fund was valued at US$44.5 billion at the end of September 2017. At present, public utilities store their waste on-site, in specially designed pools or in steel and concrete casks, while agreement on a long-term storage site remains pending.

Among the renewables, the hydroelectric capacity expanded rapidly until the 1970s. Since then, production has varied substantially in line with fluctuations in annual rainfall. Among other types of renewable energy, wind power currently dominates. Biomass, solar energy, and geothermal power plants still account for no more than 4% of the electricity supply. Even though the construction costs for solar and wind energy production capacity have fallen in recent years, the average construction cost of new wind power capacity was still 80% higher than for new natural gas generators in 2016.

Although construction per se is not federally regulated, safety issues are. Safety regulations concerning the construction industry are enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration at the federal level, or by equivalent state agencies. All states require contractors to have workers' compensation insurance. There are also a number of environment-related laws that must be followed, including those related to asbestos, lead, and industrial waste. [165]

[165] Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) online information.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD), under the Department of Transportation, is the agency responsible for developing commercial maritime regulations and programmes that ensure the viability of the U.S. Merchant Marine, and promote the use of waterborne transportation and its integration with other segments of the transportation system. (...) MARAD's mission is to improve, strengthen and promote the maritime transportation system to meet (...) environmental, (...) needs. (...)

(…) The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), under the Department of Homeland Security, is in charge of regulating maritime transport, including vessel safety and security, and environmental protection, and of licensing mariners.

Table A3.2 Prohibitions, restrictions or other special requirements
Product Prohibition, restriction, or requirement
(…)
Hazardous substances Substances must be shipped to the United States in packages suitable for household use
(…)
Toxic substances Imports will not be released from CBP custody unless proper certification is presented to CBP indicating that the import "complies with" or "is not subject to" TSCA requirements

Table A3.3 Products subject to import licensing
Category Products Agency Purpose Legal reference Other information
(…)
Fish and wildlife Fish and wildlife including endangered species Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service To: identify commercial importers and exporters of wildlife; and require records that fully and correctly disclose each importation or exportation of wildlife and the subsequent disposition of the wildlife by the importer or exporter 50 CFR Part 14 All persons, firms, and institutions may apply for a licence
(...)
Nuclear facilities and materials Production and utilization facilities, special nuclear materials, source materials, and by-product materials, including when such materials are contained in radioactive waste Nuclear Regulatory Commission To protect public health and safety and the environment, and maintain the common defense and security of the United States, by exercising prudent controls over the possession, use, distribution, and transport of such items Atomic Energy Act, 10 CFR Part 110 All persons, firms and institutions must have a permanent (physical) address within the United States
Plant and plant products Certain plant and plant products Department of Agriculture To protect against the entry of plant pests and diseases, and to protect endangered plant species Section 412 of the Plant Protection Act, 7 U.S.C. 7712, the Endangered Species Act, and Title 7 CFR Parts 300 399 Persons, firms, and institutions resident in the United States may apply for a permit
(...)

(...) Having exceeded 11% in May 2016, annual inflation has been falling sharply and in March this year reached an annualized rate of 6.6%, within the target range. This trend reflects a slowing of non tradables inflation (rise in prices of goods and services that are not traded abroad) from close to 11% down to 7%, and a reversal in the rise in the prices of fruits and vegetables as a consequence of climate related factors.