Rewriting national energy policy
New Mexico Congressman Ben Ray Luján and Vermont Congressman Peter Welch have introduced legislation that will promote energy savings through increased efficiency standards and higher investments in renewable energy -- such as wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, and biomass. Known as the American Renewable Energy and Efficiency Act, or HR 5072, the legislation would enact a renewable energy standard to reduce carbon emissions and drive clean energy deployment in states nationally. A renewable energy standard will drive the development of the clean energy sector and the economy.
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Congressman Peter Welch at Rock Point school solar farm. Credit: Rep. Welch |
The legislation requires electric utilities to obtain a minimum of 25 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2025. Electric and natural gas utilities will also need to implement energy efficiency programs in order to save the equivalent of 15 percent and 10 percent of sales, respectively, by 2025.
"The United States is lagging behind on energy efficiency and in adopting renewables. Our nation's energy policies are overdue for a rewrite," said Welch. "Our legislation charts a new energy future where energy efficiency and renewable technologies are put to work creating jobs, saving money and improving the environment."
An analysis of the American Renewable Energy Efficiency Act and similar legislation found the bill would create more than 400,000 jobs, save the average household $39 annually in energy, and reduce carbon emissions by 480 million metric tons by 2025. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Ed Markey of Massachusetts.
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http://www.fierceenergy.com/story/rewriting-national-energy-policy/2014-07-21