Top Story
Taking clean energy
to Capitol Hill
Getting D.C. to follow states’ clean energy leadership
Americans know it’s time for clean energy. Scientists and innovators have proven that our potential for renewable energy is unlimited. California and other states have proven that the political will is there. A country with a track record of setting ambitious goals and reaching them—like sending a man to the moon—surely has the ability to shift to clean energy.
Bolstered by advances at the state level, Environment California is pushing Congress to pass a strong renewable energy policy for the nation. On Aug. 4, the House of Representatives passed a bill to require 15 percent renewable electricity nationwide by 2020, thanks to the hard work of our staff, our members, our broad coalition and, most notably, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who made it a top priority. The policy garnered more than 236 votes, including bipartisan support from California Reps. Brian Bilbray (San Diego) and Mary Bono (Palm Springs).
“Renewable energy standards are the most powerful tools for taking control of our energy future,” said Bernadette Del Chiaro, clean energy advocate with Environment California. “This was a landmark vote and one of the strongest clean energy policies to pass the House of Representatives in years.”
It is now up to the Senate to agree with the House and send the bill to President Bush’s desk for his signature. As governor of Texas, Bush signed a similar law.
In the meantime, decision-makers here in California, and in dozens of other states across the country, continue to lead the way with local renewable energy standards. Environment California kicked off the effort by passing the nation’s strongest renewable electricity standard of 20 percent by 2010 and establishing the Million Solar Roofs Initiative last year. This summer, we are working to expand California’s solar power market to solar water heating systems (see Recent action, page 2). In addition, 22 other states are promoting renewable energy.
“The states have raised the bar for strong renewable energy policy and it’s time for D.C. to develop renewable energy nationwide,” said Del Chiaro.
A windmill generates clean power in northern California.
