An influential advisory body to the U.S. president and Congress on Wednesday released a draft report that calls the nation’s shift toward renewable energy a “critical grand challenge” and recommends more leadership at the federal level.

The report, drafted by the National Science Board, calls on the U.S. government to “develop, clearly define, and lead a nationally coordinated research, development, demonstration, deployment, and education strategy to transform the U.S. energy system.” The report says that the future prosperity and economic progress of the United States depends largely on the success of this leadership.

Among the recommendations, the board wants the establishment of a new council to coordinate and champion all federal activities in sustainable energy. The report says that there is no comprehensive strategy today, and federal agencies haven’t made significant progress in adopting sustainable energy measures in their own operations.

The board also calls for more federal money for sustainable energy R&D through the creation of a “clean energy fund.” The report does not specify how large this fund should be, but it does say the new fund should “guarantee long-term funding and commitment” to support new technologies.

The board also recommends more aggressive national policies, including targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, calls for more workforce training in sustainable energy-related fields, and wants the country to actively participate in international efforts to strengthen environmental stewardship and energy technology development.

The report, titled “Building a Sustainable Energy Future,” is in the public review and comment period until May 1 and can be found at http://www.nsf.gov/nsb/committees/se/pub_comment.jsp.

The National Science Board is the policymaking body for the National Science Foundation and advisory body to the U.S. president and Congress on science and engineering issues.