Congress Stands Up for Clean Energy

WASHINGTON,DC – To combat the effects of global warming and climate change, theHouse of Representatives today approved the Udall Amendment to theHouse Energy Bill on a vote of 220 to 190. The Amendment creates anational Renewable Energy Standard (RES) that requires electricsuppliers to produce 15 percent of their energy from renewable sources,4 percent of which can come from efficiency, by the year 2020. Energyand Commerce Committee Vice Chair Diana DeGette (D-CO), a leadingcosponsor of the Amendment and lead whip, praised its passage callingit a "commitment to clean energy."

"The House today made itclear that inaction is no longer an option when it comes to clean andrenewable energy," DeGette said. "The federal government now followsthe lead of 23 other states in enacting a national RES program. Overobjections from industry, programs across the country have been wildlysuccessful resulting in increased benefits to both consumers and theenvironment. A national RES program will arm us with a great resourceas we accept the challenge of minimizing the impact of global warming."

TheUdall Amendment requires electric utilities to derive 15 percent oftheir energy from renewable sources, 4 percent of which can come fromefficiency, by 2020. During the House Energy bill mark-up in theCommittee on Energy and Commerce, DeGette initiated and led adiscussion among Committee Members about the value and potential energyefficiency of creating a national standard.

"Under aRepublican-controlled Congress, a national RES could not even bedebated. The Democratic Congress has made clean energy a priority byoffering the American people a New Direction when it comes to energyefficiency in the United States," concluded DeGette.