The U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has approved the American Clean Energy Leadership Act, a bipartisan bill designed to advance renewable energy policies first enacted in 2005 and 2007 laws.
‘Getting America running on clean energy is our goal,’ says committee chairman Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., who authored the bill. ‘This bill will help shift our country to cleaner sources of energy, and more secure sources as well.’
Among other measures, the bill would establish a renewable electricity standard (RES) of 15% by 2020. Utilities selling less than 4 million kWh of electricity per year would be exempt. In addition to purchases of renewable energy, energy efficiency savings, renewable energy credits, energy efficiency credits and alternative compliance payments would also count toward a utility's compliance.
The bill is now ready for full Senate debate. Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., has not yet scheduled time on the floor, according to Bingaman's office.
SOURCE: Office Of Sen. Jeff Bingaman
