Imagine if there was a law that could make America more energy independent, cut air pollution, create jobs, save ratepayers on their electric bills, and at the same time would be the one of the most significant steps we could take to reduce global warming pollution.
Last week, just such a bill was proposed in the U.S. House by Reps. Tom Udall, D-N.M., and Todd Platts, R-Pa. The bill, H.R. 969, would require the U.S. to generate 20 percent of our electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar by 2020.
A 2006 analysis by USPIRG found that obtaining 20 percent of electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020 could cut global warming pollution by 511 million tons. The equivalent of taking approximately 89 million cars off the road.
At the same time, recent studies by the Union of Concerned Scientists find that renewable energy development creates twice as many jobs as fossil fuels, particularly in the agricultural sector, and that as natural gas and oil prices rise, that generating more renewable energy would actually lower electric rates by 1.8 percent on average.
Action is already being taken at the state level as the Minnesota state House and Senate have both passed a 25 percent by 2025 standard.
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Now its time to get the rest of the country up to speed. Renewable energy is a win-win-win proposition, and we urge Rep. Collin Peterson to help lead the way to a new energy future by co-sponsoring this important legislation.
Liz Wilfong
U.S. Public Interest Research Group
Minneapolis
