Promotion of renewables in the US is, due to the geography involved, a vast, complex area. At federal level, the existing Republican administration has been considered in environmental terms as little short of an international pariah. Support for renewables has also been limited, sporadic, uncertain and at times regressive. At state level, however, the story is different. The quantity and diversity of policies and programmes enacted is very significant, and demonstrates active engagement with climate change and energy security issues. DSIRE, The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (www.dsireusa.org) carries up-to-date information on these national policy measures, again using the complementary approach of renewables and energy efficiency.