Platts Advocates for Renewable Energy Legislation

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Representatives Tom Udall (D-NM), Todd Platts (R-PA) and Mark Udall (D-CO) today joined conservation groups on the hill to promote the inclusion of a Renewable Energy Standard amendment into the Energy package the House will consider next week.

The proposed amendment would be based on a stand-alone measure first introduced in the House in 2002 by Rep. Tom Udall. Since then, as energy prices have increased, the bill has continued gaining broad, bipartisan support. To date, the legislation has 149 cosponsors – thirty having signed on since July 4.

The proposed amendment would create a federal standard requiring electric utilities to diversify their portfolios with wind, solar and other renewable energy sources. The first increase set for 2010, consistently increasing thereafter to meet a 2020 goal.

Suppliers can meet these requirements by purchasing credits from other entities who have obtained credits by producing renewable energy. It also allows utilities to bank credits for four years and to borrow credits from up to three years in the future.

Municipal and other publicly-owned power plants and rural electric co-ops would be exempted from the requirements.

“As Congress attempts to create a balanced policy to address the many important energy issues facing our country, we must consider the benefits of renewable energy. Establishing a federal Renewable Electricity Standard will balance a wide range of interests,” Rep. Tom Udall said. “Not only will it help us meet our growing demand for electricity, it will provide the incentive needed to make renewables mainstream and help fight global warming.”

“This legislation takes a significant step towards establishing greater energy independence and a more stable energy supply for our nation,” said Rep. Platts. “Establishing a federal Renewable Electricity Standard will help to protect our environment as well as promote economic development and energy security.”

“We believe an RES will create public benefits for everyone. The renewable energy goals are significant, but not overly burdensome for states as it gives them flexibility to achieve these goals. An RES will benefit farmers, save consumers money, reduce air pollution, and increase reliability and energy security,” said Rep. Mark Udall who is cochair of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus in the House of Representatives.

Over 20 states already have renewable generation standards with various timelines and targets and the legislation does not pre-empt states that have stronger standards, the group noted.

The amendment would also protect consumers against fossil fuel price increases. According to a study by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, a national renewable electricity standard could save consumers money by reducing natural gas prices, which are currently spiking around the country.

The National Academy of Sciences is also required to conduct an evaluation of the program within eight years of enactment and use the results of that evaluation to transmit recommendations for strengthening or modifying the legislation to Congress not later than 2016.

The legislation is actively supported by a number of organizations, including the Union of Concerned Scientists, the Sierra Club, and renewable energy industry groups. Today’s press conference was held in conjunction with U.S. PIRG, the League of Conservation Voters and Audobon.