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Klobuchar Introduces Renewable Energy Initiative

Klobuchar outlines "25% by 2025" plan similar to bipartisan bill that won approval in the Minnesota Legislature

June 6, 2007

(Washington, D.C.) In a speech delivered on the floor of the Senate today, Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced legislation that would establish a Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) to require utility companies across the nation to produce at least 25 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by the year 2025.  The “25% by 2025” legislation aims to stabilize electricity prices, stimulate America’s rural economy and protect the environment. Klobuchar has praised the bipartisan actions of many states on the issue, including Minnesota, and urges Congress to follow their lead.

“While the states are already heading down the path toward the new ‘green economy,’ the federal government has not even made it to the trail head. The federal government is stuck in the fossil age,” noted Klobuchar during today’s speech.

Renewable energy resources currently account for just over 2 percent of the nation's electricity production, and that's without a federal standard of any kind. The 25 percent requirement, escalating from current levels today, will ensure major new investments in renewable energy by utilities. The U.S. Department of Energy will be instructed to implement a market-based trading system for renewable energy credits to help utilities meet the mandate if they haven't made the necessary investments in renewable energy projects of their own.

Over 20 states already have renewable generation standards with various timelines and targets. In February, Minnesota enacted a law which is considered to be the most aggressive standard for promoting renewable energy. Senator Klobuchar’s legislation does not pre-empt states like Minnesota that currently have RES standards.

"The courage we’re seeing in the states, especially Minnesota, as they deal with global warming should be matched by courage in Washington. We should be prepared to act on a national level – especially when the states and local communities are showing us the way,” said Klobuchar.

According to a study by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, a national renewable portfolio standard similar to Senator Klobuchar’s would drastically reduce electric and natural gas prices, which are currently spiking around the country. The current energy path in America is only hurting families and businesses that are seeing skyrocketing costs.

“Analysis found that an aggressive national standard would reduce electric and natural gas prices and provide significant economic benefits for all Americans,” said Klobuchar.

Senator Klobuchar’s bill has environmental benefits as well. The new RES would reduce toxic air pollution from power plants that threaten people’s health by burning coal, oil, and natural gas. It would also reduce carbon dioxide emissions, which cause global warming by trapping heat in the atmosphere.

Klobuchar’s legislation is actively supported by a number of organizations, including the Fresh Energy, Xcel Energy, and the League of Conservation Voters:

“This new national standard opens the door to a new electricity industry that will bring thousands of jobs and pump billions of dollars into our economy. Senator Klobuchar is a pioneer in the Senate for her actions,” remarked Michael Noble, Executive Director of Fresh Energy in St. Paul, Minnesota.

“An aggressive national renewable electricity standard comports with our plan to deploy renewable energy throughout our national system. We appreciate Senator Klobuchar working hard to harmonize state and federal requirements,” commented John A. O’Donnell, Director of Federal Public Affairs, Xcel Energy in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

“There’s no question that we can supply power to millions of homes and businesses by harnessing clean energy from the sun, wind, crops and more.  We applaud Senator Klobuchar’s bill to require that 25% of our electricity come from clean homegrown sources by 2025, which builds on the momentum in Minnesota and states across the country,”  said Tiernan Sittenfeld,  Legislative Director of the League of Conservation Voters.

To view Senator Klobuchar's full speech click here.

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