Adoption of Renewable Energy Standard a Significant Step Forward

August 5, 2007

The House’s passage of a renewable energy standard is a significant step forward for energy security, economic growth, and reducing climate change risks, Republicans for Environmental Protection (REP), a national grassroots organization, said today.

“The votes of 32 Republicans, including sponsor Todd Platts, were crucial in passing this important amendment to energy policy legislation that also won House approval. The amendment would not have passed without their support,” REP Policy Director Jim DiPeso said.

The amendment sets a standard for utilities to obtain at least 15 percent of their energy supplies from wind, solar, geothermal, and other renewable sources by 2020.

“Diversifying our energy resources and tapping the economic promise of renewables is a truly conservative approach to ensuring adequate supplies of clean, secure energy for our country,” REP Government Affairs Director David Jenkins said. “The standard that the House passed is a balanced and practical approach that relies on market forces to accelerate renewable energy development.”

Renewable energy offers multiple benefits, including decreased dependence on unreliable foreign energy sources, new manufacturing jobs, rural economic growth, less exposure to fuel price volatility, less air pollution, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

“Clean energy is good for America, and thanks to the conservative ethic of House Republicans, our country is a step closer to a better energy future,” Jenkins said.

House Republicans who voted to pass the renewable energy standard include:

CA – Brian Bilbray, Mary Bono
CT – Christopher Shays
DE – Michael Castle
FL – Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Mario Diaz-Balart, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
IL – Tim Johnson, Mark Kirk, Jerry Weller
MD – Wayne Gilchrest
MI – Vern Ehlers
MN – Jim Ramstad
NE – Jeff Fortenberry
NJ – Michael Ferguson, Rodney Frelinghuysen, Frank LoBiondo, Christopher Smith
NM – Heather Wilson
NV – Dean Heller, Jon Porter
NY – Vito Fossella, Peter King, Randy Kuhl, John McHugh, Jim Walsh
OH – Steve LaTourette
PA – Jim Gerlach, Todd Platts
VA – Frank Wolf
WA – Dave Reichert
WI – Paul Ryan