New Legislation To Give Boost To Renewable Energy, Increase Energy Savings

"Chairman Markey and Congressman Platts are once again leading the way in Congress on renewable energy. Following President Obama's lead, they have laid out a bold agenda that will boost our use of renewable electricity to 25 percent by 2025.

"Chairman Markey's energy efficiency legislation that has been introduced alongside the renewable electricity legislation is also a critical and necessary component for moving forward with a clean energy vision that will help create jobs, revitalize our faltering economy, and protect our communities and environment by reducing global warming pollution.

"We welcome Chairman Markey and Congressman Platts' leadership and look forward to working with other congressional leaders and the Obama Administration to develop and pass comprehensive energy and climate legislation in this Congress."

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Congressmen Ed Markey (D-MA) chairs the subcommittee on energy and the environment of the House Commerce Committee and the Select Committee on Global Warming and Energy Independence. He and Rep. Todd Platts (R-PA) today introduced the American Renewable Energy Act, legislation that would increase electricity generation from renewable sources to 25 percent by 2025.

Congressman Markey also introduced the Save American Energy Act, which would establish a national energy efficiency resource standard that seeks to improve energy efficiency 15 percent by 2020.

Experts say the goals laid out in these two pieces of legislation are consistent with President Obama's energy plan. Passage of a Renewable Electricity Standard is a public policy priority for Audubon.