Many states are forcing power utilities to buy renewable energy — but not in the Southeast.

Of the 11 states that do not set voluntary or mandatory requirements on how much green energy utilities must buy, eight of those states are clustered in the Southeast.

Supporters say forcing utilities to buy set amounts of renewable energy helps develop power sources that do not depend on fossil fuels, emit fewer of the gasses blamed for global warming, and help create jobs and the development of new technology.

Conservative politicians in the Southeast typically oppose government mandates and worry the efforts could raise energy prices in a recession and hurt manufacturing jobs.