BIPARTISAN COALITION MAY OFFER RENEWABLE PORTFOLIO STANDARD LEGISLATION AS AMENDMENT TO ENERGY BILL

Three Members of Congress Want to Mandate That Public Utilities Receive a Certain Percentage of their Power from Clean, Renewable Energy Sources

U.S. Reps. Tom Udall, Mark Udall, Jim Leach

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, April 8, 2003

BIPARTISAN COALITION MAY OFFER RENEWABLE PORTFOLIO STANDARD LEGISLATION AS AMENDMENT TO ENERGY BILL

WASHINGTON - U.S. Representatives Tom Udall (D-NM), Mark Udall (D-CO), and Jim Leach (R-IA) Tuesday confirmed that they will likely offer an amendment to the House energy bill requiring electric utilities to acquire 20% of their electricity from wind, solar and other renewable energy sources by 2025.

The amendment is based on bipartisan legislation, H.R. 1294, which was introduced earlier this year. While its acceptance as an amendment and overall passage of the bill are uncertain, the federal lawmakers are actively seeking support from their colleagues to get the best possible vote on the floor.

   The House energy bill is not comprehensive without an aggressive Renewable Portfolio Standard," Tom Udall, a member of the House Resources Committee, said. We are urging Congress to heed calls from farmers and consumers to make this renewable portfolio standard part of this year's energy bill. I believe there is genuine, bipartisan support for this approach."

We've worked hard to draft legislation that we believe will create public benefits for everyone. The renewable energy goals the bill sets are significant, and yet the bill is not overly burdensome for states as it gives them flexibility to achieve these goals. Our RPS bill will benefit farmers, save consumers money, reduce air pollution, and increase reliability and energy security," said Mark Udall, who is co-chair of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives.

   It is simply common sense that any effective energy policy include encouraging the development of renewable energy resources," Jim Leach said.

   The Udall-Udall-Leach bill furthers efforts made in the last Congress to pass a renewable portfolio standard as part of its comprehensive energy legislation. That energy bill died in conference committee negotiations between the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The bill would protect consumers against fossil fuel price increases. According to a study last year by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, a national renewable portfolio standard could save consumers money by reducing natural gas prices, which are currently spiking around the country.

The legislation is actively supported by a number of organizations, including the Union of Concerned Scientists, the Sierra Club, and renewable energy industry groups.

   The House Committee on Rules is scheduled to accept testimony on proposed amendments to the House energy bill (H.R. 6) on Wednesday. The legislation is scheduled for debate on Thursday.

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CONTACTS: Glen Loveland (T. Udall) 202-225-6190; Lawrence Pacheco (M. Udall) 202-225-2161; Meghan McCabe (Leach) 202-225-6576.