An analysis of data released by the DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA) that measures the amount of power generated by various resources shows more than 25 percent of the nation's net electrical generation came from renewable sources during the month of May. The percentage is a gratifying number for many involved in Solutions from the Land (SfL). The 25x'25 Alliance, an SfL initiative, was formed in 2005 to promote the role of our farms, ranches and forestlands in generating by 2025 at least 25 percent of the total energy consumed in the United States, all while continuing to produce safe, abundant, and affordable food, feed and fiber. SfL's roots in 25x'25 are reflected in the former's leadership, a team of respected agriculture, forestry, conservation, academic and industry influencers who came together in 2009 to explore integrated land management solutions that can help meet food security, public health, economic development, climate change and biodiversity conservation goals. Many of those now involved in SfL came out of the 25x'25 movement. When 25x'25 was inaugurated in 2005, the only 5.6 percent of the total energy consumed in the United States came from renewable sources. While it is gratifying to see that percentage has jumped four-fold over the past 15 years, with much of it coming in more recent years, policy makers at all levels must be strongly urged to continue to provide the tools America's farmers, ranchers and forestland owners need to sustain the growth needed to fulfill the renewable energy sector's full promise. (Read more…)