AWEA Welcomes Senator Brownback?s Support for National Renewable Electricity Standard

“Senator Brownback’s press release is further demonstration of the bipartisan support that exists for the national Renewable Electricity Standard (RES). Senator Brownback has experience in Kansas with the economic development benefits of renewable energy and has promoted renewable energy policy in the Senate, providing a key vote in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for the energy bill last year. We believe an RES not only has support for passage, but will strengthen the energy bill’s chances as well.”

The release from Senator Brownback’s office is the following:

“Brownback Supports Renewable Energy Standard Title
For Immediate Release
July 26, 2010
Contact: Brian Hart or Becky Ogilvie

http://brownback.senate.gov/public/press/record.cfm?id=326696

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Sam Brownback called for bipartisan support in the Senate to include the renewable energy standard title from the American Clean Energy and Leadership Act of 2009, which was reported out the Energy and Natural Resources Committee last summer, in upcoming energy legislation.

"As we begin consideration of comprehensive energy legislation, it’s essential we include ideas that will help drive our national energy production in the direction of more clean, renewable energy," stated Brownback. "The RES title passed out of the Energy Committee requires by 2020 that 15% of our country’s energy be produced using agreed upon forms of renewable energy, such as wind power , solar, and biomass. Under this proposal, utilities are allowed to meet up to 4% of the requirement through energy efficiency.

"I think it was wise that Senate leadership decided against including any form of cap and tax in the proposal. With unemployment still hovering close to 10%, the American people have no appetite for legislation that would hurt our economy, while doing little to reduce global temperatures. I would argue that most Americans believe that in addressing any challenge, it’s necessary to adopt a balanced, pragmatic strategy. In this case, a moderate RES would be an important step towards a cleaner energy future, but without the job-killing provisions that come with cap and tax." Brownback is the Ranking Member of the Water and Power Subcommittee of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.”

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