Our country and region is currently reliant upon fossil fuels like coal and other high-risk energy sources like nuclear power that endanger our economy, health, security, water resources, and the environment. For too long, utilities and leaders in the Southeast have supported these high-risk, polluting energy sources, while ignoring affordable energy efficiency and clean, water-saving renewables such as wind and solar. With limited resources to invest in new energy infrastructure, the Southeast should move away from high-risk energy choices and instead maximize the potential from energy efficiency and renewable energy.