Jeffords and Kerry File Renewables Amendment To Energy Bill

Last night I reported that Kerry and Jeffords were expected to file an amendment to the Energy bill today. Marketwatch reported that the debate on the Energy bill was expected to start today. John Kerry’s office reports it will start tomorrow.

Kerry’s office released the following press release on the Energy Bill amendment filed today by Jeffords and Kerry:

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sens. Jim Jeffords, (I - Vt.), and John Kerry, (D - Mass.), today filed an amendment to the Senate energy bill to require that by the year 2020, 20 percent of U.S. electricity production shall come from renewable resources like wind, solar and geothermal energy. The Senate is expected to begin debate on the energy bill tomorrow.

Jeffords, the ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee said, "Currently less than two percent of the electricity generated in our country is produced by clean, renewable energy sources. This amendment will harness under-utilized renewable energy sources and reduce harmful air and water pollution from coal and other fossil fuels. It is time for Congress to realize that renewable energy is the long-term solution to our dependence on foreign oil."

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