SCIENTISTS FOR ENERGY STANDARD (RPS)

The Senate rejected a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) in June, even though scientists like these and government economists and many many business leaders urged them to pass it. Now the House is about to consider the idea. Take part in the discussion: POWER OF WIND

Scientists push for proposed renewable energy standard
July 13, 2007 (AP via News8 Austin)

WHO
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), Environment Texas
The green states already have their own RPS. Green states. Not blue, not red. Green. Like it. (click to enlarge)

WHAT
A UCS study reported favorably on the likely outcome of a national Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) mandating that utilities derive 20% of electricity from renewable sources by 2020. The study made specific analyses of 20 states, including Texas.

WHEN
Report on the study was made July 12. The study examined the effects of a mandate through 2020. At Texas’ current rate of growth, it will lead the U.S. in renewable energy production by 2025.

WHERE
Report on the study was released in San Antonio by Environment Texas.
The Texas portion of the study predicted the RPS would create 18,000 new jobs in the state and save $1.75 billion on gas/electric bills.

WHY
The UCS study follows rejection by the U.S. Senate of a federal RPS in June. Showing Texans the economic viability of New Energy is perhaps unnecessary since the state is so advanced in the development of wind energy. But showing them the economic validity of an RPS might help Texans get their senators to back such legislation instead of voting against it like they did in June.
Every state has resources it can develop.

QUOTES
From UCS: The Benefits of a National Renewable Electricity Standard--
- Job Creation: 185,000 new jobs from renewable energy development
- Economic Development: $66.7 billion in new capital investment, $25.6 billion in income to farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners, and $2 billion in new local tax revenues
- Consumer Savings: $10.5 billion in lower electricity and natural gas bills by 2020 (growing to $31.8 billion by 2030)
- Climate Solutions: Reductions in global warming pollution equal to taking 36.4 million cars off the road.