Inclusion of Renewables in Energy Bill Receives New Political Support (update)

[jpak]

http://www.renewableaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=50614

As debate over the Energy Bill continues, inclusion of renewables in the bill has received new political support. In a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Reps John Hall (D-NY19) and Paul Hodes (D-NH02) led Freshmen Members of Congress in calling for inclusion of the House-passed Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) and the Senate-passed fuel economy increases in the final version of the Energy Bill that the House and Senate are currently negotiating in conference.

According to the letter, combining the provisions of both the House and Senate versions of the Energy Bill would reduce emissions that cause global warming by approximately 1,530 million tons of carbon dioxide by 2030, and would save consumers an estimated $850 billion, according to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.

"The energy bill in conference gives us a historic opportunity to make landmark changes in our energy policy that will help end our addiction to foreign oil while fighting global warming. Raising fuel economy standards will help us escape the grip of Middle Eastern oil, reduce tailpipe emissions, and give drivers a break at the gas pump," said Rep. Hall. "The renewable energy standard will allow us to fight global warming and jumpstart a green energy boom that will create thousands of jobs and billions in investment here at home. The House and Senate have driven these bold proposals down the field, now we need to fight hard to get them over the goal line."

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