AWEA Signs Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) Letter

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) has announced that it is joining more than 220 signatories to a letter urging U.S. Congress to pass a renewable electricity standard (RES) for the entire United States. While 30 U.S. states have policies in place requiring electricity providers to obtain designated percentages of their energy supply from renewable sources (also known as a renewable portfolio standard or RPS), there is not yet a requirement that governs all states in the union. AWEA and its partners are fighting to change that.

The letter has been signed by a coalition of 226 groups across the nation including Renewable Choice, Sierra Club, United Steelworkers, Center for Resource Solutions, and many more diverse organizations. The group is rallying in support of legislation introduced in both the House and Senate that would require all states to generate at least 25% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2025.

“With the strong focus on the economy in Washington right now, it’s important for Congress to recognize the importance of the RES to our economic recovery ,” said Denise Bode, CEO of AWEA.  We have seen how using more renewable energy creates jobs —wind created 35,000 jobs last year — and several studies have shown that a national RES will lower consumer electric bills as well.  A national renewable electricity standard is one of the most important steps we can take to encourage businesses to invest in clean energy and create thousands of new jobs right here in the U.S.”

In yesterday's release, AWEA sited a recent survey that found that 84 percent of Amercans support a national RES. If you are one of these Americans, now might be a good time to contact your State Senate or Congress representative. You can join this group of wind developers, environmental groups, utilities, labor groups, construction companies and manufacturers in getting your voice heard regarding the importance of renewable energy development in the U.S.

Find your Senator here. Find your Congressperson here.

PERSONALLY SPEAKING
I think a rally around this legislation could prove a perfect example of the change that can happen when for-profit and non-profit organizations come together with the support of the public to influence important legislation. I've called and emailed my Colorado Senator, Mark Udall and Congressman Jared Polis. I hope you will join me in contact your representatives, too! ~ Heather

Heather Philipp is Director of Media and Communications for Renewable Choice