National R(enewable) P(ortfolio) S(tandard) to Include Coal & Nuclear?

[jpak]

http://www.renewableaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=48921

Energy policy is once again up for debate on Capitol Hill with Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) expected to introduce an amendment today that would require 15 percent of electricity generated in the U.S. to come from renewables by 2020. The legislation will be countered by Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM), who is planning to offer a "weaker" amendment that defines coal and nuclear as clean energy, and eligible for renewable credits.

A National Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS) that includes clean coal technologies and nuclear power will reduce the demand for "genuinely clean" renewables such as wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, and tidal, said Jim Rubens of the Union of Concerned Scientists.

"There's only 15 percent to go around," said Rubens, adding that nuclear requires huge subsidies and clean coal technologies are at least 10 years away from being commercial. "There is no reason to dilute the bill. are ready for market now. They're cost competitive now and they don't require continuing operating and construction subsidies."

The proposed RPS (or Renewable Electricy Standard) would be added as an amendment to bill S.1419, The Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007, which Bingaman, who is chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, co-authored with Domenici. The bipartisan legislation is intended to boost domestic renewable fuel supplies and spur regional diversity of biofuels production and infrastructure across the U.S.

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[liberal N proud]

1. Coal - renewable?

I never knew you could reproduce coal. I suppose after a few million years of heat and pressure it might work but I don't think that will work for our needs today.

You can tell who the lobbiest are on this one.

[phantom power]

2. Technically, they said it was "clean," and so elegiable for credits.

Of course, that's an equally mendacious claim. It's neither clean, nor renewable.