Antinuclear

Pressure on U.S. Congress to set renewable energy standard

President Barack Obama has urged Congress to set a national standard that would require 25 percent renewable power by 2025. But lawmakers have yet to act.

Wind, solar groups push US renewable energy standard  Feb 10, 2010 –  Stimulus funds powered most renewables to expand in 2009* –  Energy groups stress domestic job creation* – Call for federal energy standard, extended tax credits By Deborah Zabarenko, Environment CorrespondentWASHINGTON, Feb 9 (Reuters) – U.S. industry executives from the wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal and biomass sectors pushed on Tuesday for a federal renewable energy standard, which they said would foster economic growth and create jobs.

A federal standard could spur these industries at a time when China is moving swiftly into alternative energy production, said Denise Bode, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association.

If Congress establishes a federal renewable energy standard, a percentage of the energy generated in the United States would have to come from renewable sources.

Some 30 countries — including China and the European Union countries — and 29 U.S. states already have renewable energy standards, Bode said in a telephone news briefing. President Barack Obama has urged Congress to set a national standard that would require 25 percent renewable power by 2025. But lawmakers have yet to act.

Wind, solar groups push US renewable energy standard | Markets | Reuters

February 9, 2010 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | 1