Severin Borenstein On How Local Renewable Energy Initiatives Can Build Momentum For Climate Action

In Conservative Utah, Some Communities Are Ditching Fossil Fuel Power For Clean Energy

May 19, 2026

NPR

Severin Borenstein, Energy Institute Faculty Director, explains on NPR that while local renewable energy programs alone will not solve climate change, they can play an important role by demonstrating what is possible and inspiring broader climate action.

“LUKE CARTIN: We made this change in one of the most conservative states in the country. And it’s something that the community can take pride in.

DAVID CONDOS, BYLINE: But it may be an uphill climb for other red states to pass a law like Utah’s, says Severin Borenstein. He is an energy expert at the University of California, Berkeley. Now, a single program won’t do much to stop climate change, he says, but it could help build momentum as people see what’s possible.

SEVERIN BORENSTEIN: That sort of leadership and setting an example, I think, is the real value of these sorts of efforts.

CONDOS: And for many rural communities, switching to all renewable power without this coalition would be next to impossible…”

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