Coalition seeks to salvage renewable power mandate in Senate

Environmentalists and renewable energy trade groups are pressing Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) to include a national renewable electricity standard, or RES, in the slimmed-down energy package heading for the floor next week.

An RES would force many utilities to supply an escalating share of their power in coming years from sources like wind, solar and biomass energy.

The groups make the case in a letter to Reid Friday that’s also backed by labor unions and power companies that have invested in renewable energy projects.

“An RES would provide a down-payment on carbon reduction goals, save and create jobs, and keep America competitive,” states the letter from the Sierra Club, the American Wind Energy Association, AES Corp. and others.

Several Senate Democrats are also pressuring Reid on a renewables standard. But such proposals, which have long been on the agenda of environmentalists and renewable energy companies, face major Senate hurdles.

Here’s the whole letter:

July 23, 2010



The Honorable Harry Reid


United States Senate


522 Hart Senate Office Building


Washington, D.C. 20510



Dear Senator Reid:



As representatives of labor, the environmental community, and renewable energy trade associations, we appeal to you to include the national renewable electricity standard (RES) in the energy bill next week. Without immediate passage, hundreds of thousands of jobs will be lost and surrendered to other countries forever.



A bipartisan bill with a national RES passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. An RES would provide a down-payment on carbon reduction goals, save and create jobs, and keep America competitive.



We urge you to include a renewable electricity standard in next week's energy legislation.



Sincerely,



Labor:


Blue Green Alliance

United Steelworkers



Environment:


Environment America


League of Conservation Voters


Natural Resources Defense Council


Sierra Club


Union of Concerned Scientists



Renewable Energy:


American Wind Energy Association


Biomass Power Association


Energy Recovery Council


National Hydropower Association


RES Alliance for Jobs



Utility:


AES Corporation


NextEra Energy Resources, Inc.


Xcel Energy