Originally published June 29 2005
Senate backs using renewable energy to generate electricity
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The Senate recently voted to require that 10% of the nation's electricity be generated from alternative energy sources by 2020. The amendment could stop an energy crisis before it starts and reduce emissions.
Over the objections of the White House and utility industry, the Senate voted Thursday to require that 10% of the nation's electricity be generated from alternative energy sources --- such as solar and wind power --- by 2020.
The vote complicates efforts to produce the first overhaul of national energy policy in a decade.
Each includes measures aimed at promoting conservation and greater use of cleaner energy sources.
But environmentalists have complained that the bills are too heavily tilted toward increased production of traditional energy sources, such as oil, natural gas, coal and nuclear power.
Opponents of the requirement that more electricity come from alternative sources contended it could drive up utility costs, especially in regions where the climate did not produce strong wind or extensive sunshine.
Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) complained that utilities that could not meet the 10% standard would have to buy credits from power companies that exceed it --- and would pass on that cost to consumers.
The amendment's supporters said it would help prevent price spikes that could occur from utilities relying on a single energy source.
The supporters also said the provision would reduce emissions from power plants that burned fossil fuels.
The requirement for utilities to generate more electricity from renewable sources is one of several issues that finds the Republican-controlled Senate acting against the wishes of the administration on energy legislation, as well as differing with the House version.
For instance, the Senate next week is expected to add $14 billion in tax breaks to the bill, roughly double the amount the White House supports.
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