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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Neal Lurie, American Solar Energy Society
303-443-3130 x105
Will Congress Stifle Solar Growth?
ASES announces seven-step approach to expand markets,
generate jobs and build a solar nation
BOULDER, CO – 8/25/2009 – The nonprofit American Solar Energy Society (ASES) announced a series of recommendations to generate jobs and economic growth to help guide Congress as it soon returns to the business of energy and climate change.
Millions of green jobs are at stake as Congress seeks to finalize and reconcile the American Clean Energy Leadership Act in the Senate (S.1462) and the American Clean Energy and Security Act in the House (H.R.2454). Many renewable energy leaders are concerned that weak provisions in the current legislation may reduce the potential for industry growth.
“For decades the American people have supported acting to move us to a sustainable energy economy,” said Brad Collins, ASES’ Executive Director. “Now, at long last, Congress is catching up to the voters – but half measures will not get the job done. Congress can inspire a new era of innovation by strengthening its energy legislation. These seven powerful recommendations will help expand markets, generate jobs and build a solar nation.”
The renewable energy and energy efficiency industries currently represent more than 9 million jobs in the U.S. By strengthening this legislation, renewable energy and energy efficiency industries can grow to as many as 37 millions jobs by the year 2030 – and provide most, if not all of the emissions reductions needed to mitigate climate change – according to two recent reports from ASES.
ASES’ recommends the following seven specific provisions:
1. Strengthen the renewable energy standard to at least 25% of electricity from renewable sources by 2025, consistent with President Obama’s target. The current Senate and House energy bills fall woefully short, at only 15% and 20% respectively.
2. Create uniform net metering and interconnection standards for retail and commercial customers to create a national framework for distributed generation within which healthy markets can flourish.
3. Auction 100% of emission allowances to let markets determine the best pricing and to provide incentives to reduce carbon and other greenhouse gases. Revenues should be used to reach energy bill targets, provide relief from energy costs for lower income Americans and support the development of a sustainable energy economy.
4. Increase greenhouse gas reduction targets to 30% by 2020 and 50% by 2030. This is needed to help protect the U.S. economy from the tremendous costs of catastrophic climate change.
5. Adopt the Architecture 2030 target of reducing energy consumption in all new buildings and retrofits by 50%. Not only would this add green construction jobs across the nation but it would help millions of families and businesses save on their monthly utility bills.
6. Establish the federal government as a leader in the procurement of renewable energy and energy efficient technology. As the world’s #1 consumer of energy, the federal government can save taxpayers billions by reducing consumption, promoting efficiency, and advancing technology.
7. Promote energy literacy by investing in education programs to help families and businesses understand their energy choices and how they can use renewable energy and energy efficiency to reduce costs, decrease emissions, and generate jobs.
Learn more about ASES’ policy recommendations at: www.ases.org/policy2009
About the American Solar Energy Society
Established in 1954, the nonprofit American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is the nation’s leading association of solar professionals and grassroots advocates. Supported by more than 12,000 members, ASES’ mission is to speed the transition to a sustainable energy economy. ASES advances education, research and policy, inspiring the nation to go solar. ASES publishes the award-winning SOLAR TODAY magazine, presents the National Solar Conference, rallies citizens to build a Solar Nation, and leads the National Solar Tour – the world’s largest grassroots solar event. www.ases.org
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