New Congress likely to push national standard for renewable electricity

[jpak]

http://www.newhousenews.com/archive/mccutcheon120606.html

WASHINGTON -- Want the U.S. to get serious about energy independence? One answer is to require electricity suppliers to step up production from wind, solar and other renewable sources.

More than 20 states, from New Jersey to California, already do. But advocates say such "renewable portfolio standards" should apply everywhere.

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Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., who will chair the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee when Democrats assume control of Congress in January, has long championed a national renewable standard. Last year, he persuaded the Senate to pass a measure requiring renewable sources to account for at least 10 percent of U.S. electricity production by 2020.

Republicans in the House blocked the idea, preventing it from becoming law. But with Democrats assuming the majority and many incoming lawmakers eager to tackle energy issues, observers say its chances have improved markedly.

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edit - ooops

[ClassWarrior]

1. Link?

NGU.

[jpak]

2. fixed

n/t

[ClassWarrior]

3. Thanks.

NGU.