STATES RIGHTS TO NEW ENERGY

Another states' rights issue:
Growing number of states requiring alternative energy
Tom Kenworthy, November 23, 2006 (USA Today)

- Renewable energy is gathering steam in several states as voters and governors push electric utilities to generate a set percentage of electricity from clean sources such as wind and solar power.
- In Washington state, voters approved a measure Nov. 7 mandating that 15% of electrical power come from renewable sources by 2020.
- That makes 20 states and the District of Columbia with such requirements…Two others states — Illinois and Vermont — have non-binding goals…
- More states are forcing utilities toward wind, solar and other renewable energy sources, such as geothermal and biomass, to cut the use of coal and natural gas and spur greater U.S. energy independence…
- Opponents, including some utilities and industries, say the switch will be costly for consumers and businesses…

- California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a law in September that accelerates the timetable for 20% of electricity to come from solar, wind and other clean power sources. The compliance date is now 2010…New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson proposed last month that the state increase its current requirement that 10% of electricity come from renewable sources by 2011. He wants utilities to produce 15% of their power from renewable sources by 2015 and 25% by 2020…Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski is developing a legislative package calling for 25% of electrical power from renewable energy by 2025…Colorado, Gov.-elect Bill Ritter made renewable energy a centerpiece of his campaign…Colorado voters in 2004 approved a referendum requiring that the state draw 10% of its electricity from renewable sources…

- Progress in the states could spur Congress to enact a federal standard, predicts Anna Aurelio, director of the Washington office of U.S. PIRG, a national environmental group. The Senate in 2005 approved a 10% mandate that failed in the House, and Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., incoming chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has said he will try again…