Renewable energy was given a faint boost of praise this evening in Massachusetts, where voters in 11 districts are voting -- in a nonbinding referendum -- whether to encourage their legislators to vote for a reduction in greenhouse gases. As of 9:45 p.m. Eastern Time, voting was running at a 2-to-1 margin in favor.Here's the question, as it appeared on the state ballot: "Shall the state representative from this district [be] instructed to vote in favor of legislation that: reduces greenhouse gas emissions in Massachusetts by 80 percent by 2020; and phases out tax incentives for energy-intensive projects, while expanding job creation programs for locally-owned businesses cooperatives involved in renewable energy, conservation and sustainable agriculture?"

Those are fairly aggressive goals if they can be achieved. For the moment, the measure's supporters need simply to get broader support.

Meanwhile, voters face similar ballot initiatives in California, Missouri, and Colorado. The difference: These are binding.

As we outlined in mid-October, one of California's two energy-related initiatives, Proposition 7, has been exceptionally contentious. Proposition 7 would require California utilities to procure half of their power from renewable resources by 2025. As of 2006, Californians generated 12% of their energy from renewable sources.

Proposition 7 also will require California utilities to increase their purchase of electricity generated from renewable resources by 2% annually to meet the Renewable Portfolio Standard goal of 40% in 2025. Current law, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, requires an RPS of 20% by 2010. Proposition 7 has attracted widespread opposition from both political parties, as well as from independent groups, such as the influential Union of Concerned Scientists. Proposition 7 also is opposed by the California Manufacturers and Technology Association.

Meanwhile, in Missouri, voters will show whether they support Proposition C, also known as the Clean Energy Initiative. Proposition C creates a renewable electricity standard in the state that would require utility companies to gradually increase their usage of renewable energy annually until 15% of the energy used in the state is renewable.