DEMS CHAMPION RPS FOR RENEWABLES

From Forbes:
“…consider this round a dry run. After all, the massive Energy Policy Act of 2005 took four years to cobble together. But the debate is still important, because it will likely set the tone of energy policy for at least the next decade…”

Make it happen now. Participate. Speak out: Power of Wind

Senate Democrats want renewable energy
H. Josef Hebert, June 13, 2007 (AP via Yahoo News)

WHO
Senate Democrats led by Sen. Jeff Bingaman , D-N.M., Senate Republicans led by Sen. Pete Domenici , R-N.M., Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.
CHOOSE THIS...

WHAT
The Bingamans proposed a national Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) setting the goal of producing 15% of US electricity from renewable energy sources 2020. The Domenicis opposed.

WHEN
- RPS portion of ongoing debate was June 13. Vote on whether to include the amendment calling for the national RPS is expected June 14.
- An EIA study concluded an RPS of 15% running to 2030 would only raise prices 0.5%

WHERE
Debate on the Senate floor in Washington, D.C., and viewable on C-SPAN.

WHY
- The RPS, by guaranteeing a predictable demand for renewable energy, would give entrepreneurs the only incentive they need to build a new energy economy.
- Opponents argue an RPS would result in higher electricity prices and cite a utility industry study saying 27 states don’t have renewables enough to produce 15% of their power. They want to change “renewables” to “clean” so as to include nuclear energy and “clean” coal. Bingaman provided the EIA study stating prices would not rise.
- A lot of wheeling and dealing is going on behind the scenes as representatives of the biggest energy enterprises in the country and the world negotiate and barter for angles and edges. Discussions of the RPS end in discussions about oil and gas. Big Coal is a Big Player, too.
- Electricity at present: 50%+ from coal, 3%+ from renewables
- 23 states presently have RPSs; Some contend a national one would weaken those but Bingaman says accommodations can be arranged.
...NOT THIS

QUOTES
- Bingaman: “[…getting utilities to use more renewables] will reduce our dependence on traditional polluting sources of energy…"
- Domenici: "Some regions cannot meet the renewable mandate because they don't have adequate renewable resources…You cannot impose the same regulated wind requirement on a state that has no wind…" (Bingaman pointed out there are renewables other than wind.)