Originally published June 3 2007
Clean energy legislation would require U.S. to shift to 20 percent renewable energy by 2020
by Christian Evans
The Union of Concerned Scientists has praised the introduction of a House bill that will move the world toward energy independence. With efforts to lessen the nation's reliance on foreign oil, energy bills could soon be voted down in favor of alternative forms of electricity.
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What you need to know - Conventional View
• The House bill will gradually require utilities to generate 20% of their electricity from clean, renewable sources (such as wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass) by 2020.
• Competition from renewable energy generators would lower electricity and natural gas prices, saving consumers more than $49 billion on their energy bills.
• Since 2004, eight states and the District of Columbia have enacted renewable energy standards.
• In August 2005, Texas more than doubled its standard, creating the second-largest renewable energy market in the country.
• By 2020, a 20% RPS would create 355,000 jobs -- nearly twice as many as electricity from fossil fuels would generate in the same period.
• Carbon dioxide emissions would be reduced 434 million metric tons -- a reduction of 15% from "business as usual" levels and the equivalent of taking more than 69 million cars off the road.
• "Biofuels and bioenergy are more than buzzwords -- they mean more jobs in rural and urban areas, cleaner air and long-term energy security," said Rep. Jeff Morris (D-Anacortes), chair of the Energy Committee. "Washingtonians spend 25 million dollars a day on gas and diesel. Even a portion of that money going to Washington crops and farmers will help wean us from dependence on fossil fuels."
• "The bill gives the American people what they asked for in the election -- a smart, cost-effective strategy to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and get America on a track toward energy independence," said Alan Nogee, UCS Clean Energy Program Director.
Bottom line
• A House bill will make us more independent with alternative forms of electricity.
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