Representative Heinrich Cosponsors Federal Renewable Electricity Standards Legislation
Press Release
Representative Heinrich Cosponsors Federal Renewable Electricity Standards Legislation
Representative Martin Heinrich (NM-01) today became a cosponsor of H.R. 890, the American Renewable Energy Act. This critical legislation would establish a Federal renewable electricity standard for retail suppliers by requiring that a minimum amount of generated electricity be from renewable energy sources.
"A strong renewable electricity standard is absolutely critical to make the United States a leader in clean energy," said Representative Heinrich. "By aggressively promoting RES we can create the jobs of tomorrow and begin to address the challenges of climate change. The only responsible choice is to take action now. We can't leave this problem for our children to clean up."
Beginning in 2012, the American Renewable Energy Act would require that a certain percentage of the electricity sold in the United States be generated using renewable resources. The standard would start at six percent in 2010 and gradually increase until the standard equaled 25 percent in 2025. The renewable resources identified in H.R. 890 include wind, solar, geothermal, combustion of biomass or landfill gas, qualified hydropower, and marine or hydrokinetic energy.
"We applaud Congressman Heinrich for his continued commitment to clean energy," said Conservation Voters New Mexico Executive Director Sandy Buffett. "This legislation will bring strong economic benefits and clean energy job creation to New Mexico."
New Mexico is a leader in the renewable energy field and we already have a successful statewide renewable electricity standard in place. Currently, investor-owned utilities in New Mexico are required to derive five percent of their electricity from renewable sources, and will be required by state law to meet a 20 percent standard by 2020. The American Renewable Energy Act would institute this successful program nationwide and it would create demand for energy generated from New Mexico's abundant wind and solar resources throughout the rest of the country.
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