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Explore national- and state-level data for hundreds of health, environmental and socioeconomic measures, including background information about each measure. Use features on this page to find measures; view subpopulations, trends and rankings; and download and share content.
District of Columbia Value:
Percentage of electricity generated from renewable sources (wind, solar rays, hydroelectric energy, biomass or geothermal heat)
Percentage of electricity generated from renewable sources (wind, solar rays, hydroelectric energy, biomass or geothermal heat)
84.4% - 46.9%
46.8% - 28.3%
28.2% - 12.2%
12.1% - 7.1%
7.0% - 2.2%
US Value: 21.9 %
Top State(s): Vermont: 84.4 %
Bottom State(s): Louisiana: 2.2 %
Definition: Percentage of electricity generated from renewable sources (wind, solar rays, hydroelectric energy, biomass or geothermal heat)
Data Source and Years(s): U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System, 2024
Suggested Citation: America's Health Rankings analysis of U.S. Energy Information Administration, State Energy Data System, United Health Foundation, AmericasHealthRankings.org, accessed 2026.
Renewable energy generates electricity from naturally replenishing sources such as wind, sun, water, biomass (organic material like plants, wood and waste) or heat (geothermal energy). Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources are clean and reduce carbon emissions and air pollution. Generating electricity from clean, sustainable and affordable energy sources can improve health outcomes by reducing harmful pollutants emitted by coal and natural gas plants and benefit the economy by reducing health-related costs.
Renewable energy is the fastest-growing energy source sector in the United States, increasing 42% between 2010 and 2020. In 2022, renewable energy generation in the U.S. surpassed coal for the first time. Much of the recent growth in renewable energy is driven by record-high solar and wind energy production. However, due to policy changes in 2025, the latest projections for renewable energy growth in the U.S. have decreased 50%.
Implementing state-level policies that support producers of preferred energy sources (wind and solar) can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector. Strategies to increase renewable energy production include:
Several federal financial incentive programs for renewable energy exist, including the Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit and the Residential Clean Energy Credit.
Healthy People 2030 has multiple objectives focused on promoting healthier environments, including:
Bashir, Muhammad Farhan, Muhammad Sadiq, Besma Talbi, Luqman Shahzad, and Muhammad Adnan Bashir. “An Outlook on the Development of Renewable Energy, Policy Measures to Reshape the Current Energy Mix, and How to Achieve Sustainable Economic Growth in the Post COVID-19 Era.” Environmental Science and Pollution Research 29, no. 29 (June 2022): 43636–47. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-20010-w.
Buonocore, Jonathan J., Ethan J. Hughes, Drew R. Michanowicz, Jinhyok Heo, Joseph G. Allen, and Augusta Williams. “Climate and Health Benefits of Increasing Renewable Energy Deployment in the United States.” Environmental Research Letters 14, no. 11 (November 1, 2019): 114010. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ab49bc.
Farghali, Mohamed, Ahmed I. Osman, Israa M. A. Mohamed, Zhonghao Chen, Lin Chen, Ikko Ihara, Pow-Seng Yap, and David W. Rooney. “Strategies to Save Energy in the Context of the Energy Crisis: A Review.” Environmental Chemistry Letters 21, no. 4 (August 2023): 2003–39. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-023-01591-5.
International Energy Agency. Renewables 2025. Paris, France: IEA, October 2025. https://www.iea.org/reports/renewables-2025.
Millstein, Dev, Ryan Wiser, Mark Bolinger, and Galen Barbose. “The Climate and Air-Quality Benefits of Wind and Solar Power in the United States.” Nature Energy 2, no. 9 (August 14, 2017): 17134. https://doi.org/10.1038/nenergy.2017.134.
Specian, Mike. Empowering Electrification through Building Envelope Improvements. Topic Brief. Washington, D.C.: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, July 2023. https://www.aceee.org/topic-brief/2023/07/empowering-electrification-through-building-envelope-improvements.
America’s Health Rankings builds on the work of the United Health Foundation to draw attention to public health and better understand the health of various populations. Our platform provides relevant information that policymakers, public health officials, advocates and leaders can use to effect change in their communities.
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