Lawmaker Introduces 15% Renewable Portfolio Standard
Albuquerque, NM - Congresswoman Heather Wilson has a sunny outlook on solar power production in New Mexico. Today, she stood beside massive solar panels manufactured and deployed in the state while she announced efforts in Congress to encourage solar-generated electricity.
"We need a balanced, long term energy policy to make America energy independent and preserve the beauty of the land we love," says Wilson. "Solar power is a key part of that, and New Mexico, already an energy-producing state, is poised to also lead the nation in solar power production."
Last week, Wilson offered comprehensive renewable energy and energy efficiency legislation in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, on which she serves. The proposal would create a national 15 percent Renewable Portfolio Standard similar to that proposed by Senator Jeff Bingaman, chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. It would require that 15 percent of electricity be generated from renewable resources by 2020.
"A ‘15% by 2020’ standard is projected to save consumers $10 billion in electricity bill savings," said Wilson today. "A national renewable portfolio standard will spur development of solar technologies while contributing to a cleaner more energy efficient economy."
A renewable portfolio standard is a policy that requires electricity providers to obtain a minimum percentage of their power from renewable energy resources such as solar power by a certain date.
Currently there are 20 states including New Mexico that have RPS policies in place. Together these states account for more than 42% of the electricity sales in the United States. Wilson’s proposal would set a 15% renewable standard by 2020.
The bill is identical to the legislation passed by the Senate by a vote of 65-27 with the addition of a renewable portfolio standard, and includes:
- New renewable fuels portfolio standards for electricity generation of 15 percent by 2020 except for cooperatives.
- Increases in CAFE standards for cars and light trucks to 35 miles per gallon by 2020.
- New renewable fuel mandates with an emphasis on ethanol, increasing substitutes for gasoline from 8.5 billion barrels in 2008 to 36 billion in 2022.
- Investments in research to produce ethanol from plants other than corn.
- Up to $120 million in investment in research and development on carbon sequestration.
- Promotion of energy efficiency, starting with the federal government.
In addition, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 included tax incentives for energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings and for more energy efficient vehicles, and tax incentives for several types of alternative and renewable resources, such as solar. Wilson has introduced separate legislation to extend those tax credits to encourage investment in renewable generation.
Wilson’s announcement came today at DP&W, an industry recognized manufacturer of mounting racks for solar electric installations as well as equipment enclosures. DP&W is a wholesaler and retailer of a full line of photovoltaic products. They are also a solar integrator, installing turnkey systems for residential, commercial, & remote water well applications. Their business clients include the telecom industry, government, and the National Energy Labs.
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