Winds of Change Newsletter, December 2005     See sidebar for table of contents

Texas Congressman Kills National Renewable Energy Standard

A national renewable electricity standard would save consumers billions on their energy bills, create tens of thousands of jobs and boost rural economies, according to a study released by the Union of Concerned Scientists.

The national renewable electricity standard, also known as a renewable portfolio standard, would require that 10 percent of our nation’s electricity come from clean renewable sources like wind, solar and biomass.

In June, the U.S. Senate passed an amendment to include the 10 percent renewable electricity standard in the broader energy bill.

Texas Representative Joe Barton, Chair of the Energy and Commerce committee, led the House in killing the provision.

Barton is one of the top recipients of campaign contributions from electric utilities.