Search | Store Store | Sitemap | Donate
Take Action
 

 

Strengthen a National Renewable Energy Standard


"The nation that leads in the creation of a clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the 21st century global economy."  President Obama, June 23, 2009

Renewable energy can deliver a tidal wave of economic opportunities and new jobs throughout the Southeast, but we need to set targets for our renewable energy development.  Research shows that our region can produce 25 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2025 -- a target supported by President Obama.
rew_100x200_v1.jpg
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act, and the next step lies with the U.S. Senate. But there's a problem with the House-passed legislation. The combined renewable energy and energy effciency standard of 20% by 2020 is too weak, leaving too many clean energy opportunities and high-quality jobs on the table. Moreover, the Senate’s version of an RES (15% by 2021) is especially problematic in that it is not likely to result in any new renewable energy development beyond 'business as usual.'

Leading renewable energy trade associations note that Europe and China already have binding targets for renewable energy.  In order to stay competitive, the U.S. must establish targets for renewable energy that will drive the industry.  It's hard to succeed if you don't have a goal.
res_letter_image.png

TAKE ACTION: Sign our "strengthening" letter
Join renewable energy business owners, farmers, forest owners, academics, clean energy advocates, and economic development agents in an open letter to Senator Harry Reid in support of a robust national Renewable Energy Standard (RES) that will benefit the Southeast. Show your support by signing this letter urging the US Senate to strengthen the proposed national renewable energy standard.  To sign, click here.

- OR -

Contact your Senators personally and ask them to strengthen and pass an energy bill that includes a national renewable energy standard to diversify our energy mix, create new high-quality jobs, improve our national security and reduce our global warming pollution!

TAKE ACTION

    Promote Clean Energy   
What is a Renewable Energy Standard (RES)?  A Renewable Energy Standard (RES), also called a renewable electricity or renewable portfolio standard, requires electricity providers to supply a specific percentage of their electricity from clean, renewable sources. Electricity providers gradually increase the amount of renewable energy in their energy mix until they reach a specific target by a certain date.  This market-based approach creates sustained demand for renewable energy, creating competition among renewable energy businesses and enabling them to plan on longer horizons.

In the absence of a national RES, states have adopted their own policies.  Twenty eight states and the District of Columbia have renewable energy standards in place, bolstering domestic renewable energy development and creating new jobs from clean energy. With the support of these standards, for example, the United States surpassed Germany as the world's largest windpower producer in 2008. According to the American Wind Energy Association, more wind energy capacity was installed in the United States during 2007 and 2008 than in the entire previous 20 years.

Associated Reports

Associated Position Statements

Press Releases

Track Related Bills

Associated Action Alerts

SACE Contact