Senate Vote Passes Weak Energy Program

Guest Blog | June 17, 2009 | Press Releases

Knoxville (June 17) – The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is asking that a comprehensive energy package be strengthened before it goes through a full Senate vote. Passed in a 15 to 8 vote today by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, the current energy package would fail to actually increase renewable energy development, falling far short of a progressive 21st Century energy policy.

“It is good news that the committee has voted a renewable standard out of committee, but it needs to be strengthened on the Senate floor,” said Stephen A. Smith, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. “The standard has been dramatically weakened by blending renewable and energy efficiency measures together, reducing the generation targets, providing generous exemptions and removing new nuclear generation from the baseline.

“We are confident that the Southeast can meet a stronger renewable energy standard. Our studies show that we could achieve 25 percent by 2025,” said Smith. “Unfortunately, if this package passes in the weak condition it is in now, it will leave many new jobs and economic opportunities on the cutting room floor.”

According to our analysis, the renewable electricity standard passed today would not incentivize more clean energy development than what is currently projected from state requirements around the country. Renewable energy resources, such a solar, wind, biomass and hydro, would create new employment opportunities while saving consumers money on their energy bills and diversify our energy mix.

For additional information, please visit www.cleanenergy.org

Knoxville (June 17) – The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is asking that a comprehensive energy package be strengthened before it goes through a full Senate vote. Passed in a 15 to 8 vote today by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, the current energy package would fail to actually increase renewable energy development, falling far short of a progressive 21st Century energy policy.

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