As we know only too well here at TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk, it’s not just how much energy we put into our cars – it’s where that energy comes from.

The use of non-renewable resources is taking its toll on the environment and more money is being pumped into renewable energy sources such as wind and biomass. Now it seems that solar power may be taking the lead in the USA.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has revealed that his department is studying whether 670,000 acres of federal lands in six western states are suitable for the construction of large-scale solar power projects, according to reports in Yale Environment 360.

Salazar said the Obama administration is doing all it can to put the “bulls eye on the development of solar energy on our public lands”. He predicted that by the end of 2010, 13 commercial scale solar power projects could be under way in states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah.

The US Department of Energy has also announced new efficiency standards for fluorescent and recessed lighting fixtures which will take effect in 2012. The tighter standards could save around 594million tons of CO2 emissions from 2012-2042 – the equivalent of removing 166million cars from the road for a year.