Introduces legislation that would require utilities to generate 25 percent of their power from renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and biomass by 2025

New Hampshire already leads the nation with its own renewable energy standard; Kuster’s legislation would help the rest of the country follow the Granite State’s lead and raise the bar for energy efficiency

Kuster: This bill is a win-win-win – will create jobs, cut pollution, and save consumers money

This week, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) partnered with Congressman Jared Polis (CO-02) and Congressman Ben Ray Luján (NM-03) to introduce legislation to establish a national Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) that would help create good jobs, cut pollution, and save consumers money. Their bill, the Renewable Electricity Standard Act of 2013, would require utility companies to produce at least 25 percent of their power from renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and biomass by 2025, helping spur growth in our country’s renewable energy sector.

“Investments in clean energy are investments in a healthier environment and a stronger economy. This common sense bill will help create good middle class jobs, cut pollution, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil – all while saving consumers money on their utilities,” Kuster said. “New Hampshire is already a leader on this issue with our own state renewable energy standard of 25 percent by 2025. This important legislation will help the rest of our nation catch up to the Granite State while supporting a growing American industry.”

Twenty nine states, including New Hampshire, Colorado, and New Mexico, already have renewable generation standards. By advancing the production of clean renewable energy sources in all states, the Renewable Electricity Standard Act would spur innovation, capital investments, and job growth across the country while enhancing energy security and reducing pollution.

Studies indicate that a national renewable energy standard would:

• Create approximately 274,000-297,000 jobs;
• Save consumers almost $100 billion on their utility bills by 2030;
• Provide $13.5 billion to farmers, ranchers and other landowners in the form of lease payments; and
• Add $11.5 billion in new local tax revenues

Kuster, a member of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), has long been a champion for conservation and environmental stewardship in New Hampshire. She has pushed to prevent tar sands from being transported through New Hampshire by pipeline, advocated for tax incentives for renewable energy development, and consistently supported energy efficiency initiatives and legislation.

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