|
Overhauling our Nation’s Energy Policy Our country is too dependent on oil and fossil fuels, which pollute our air, place our economy and national security at risk, and contribute to global warming. As the Senate Majority Leader, I am working on a dramatic overhaul of our nation’s energy policy so that Americans now and in the future will have safe, reliable and affordable supplies of clean energy. Learn more about Senator Reid's Blue Ribbon Panel on Energy. Clean Energy and Economic Recovery In light of the current economic downturn, Congress passed a recovery package earlier this year that makes real investments in clean energy to create jobs and to reduce energy costs for American families. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act invests billions to modernize our electric grid and to enhance the security and reliability of energy infrastructure. It also provides competitive funding for geothermal technologies, biomass research and development, and advanced battery manufacturing. These are the energy resources that can help cost-effectively reduce our inefficient use of dirty fossil fuels, and through the electrification of our transportation sector, stop our addiction to oil. I was pleased to help ensure the legislation included long-term extensions of the solar investment tax credit and eliminated the previous cap on that credit for residential solar electric systems. These kinds of incentives are imperative for protecting our economic, energy and national security. They make solar electric panels more accessible for the average homeowner and help businesses tap into the American innovative spirit, create jobs and build sustainable economic growth, and will speed the development of Nevada’s and the West’s abundant solar, wind, and geothermal resources. The recovery package also helps Nevada families permanently reduce their energy costs by providing over $38 million in weatherization funding. Reducing our energy usage by making our homes more energy efficient not only creates jobs, but it can also save families 32% on their overall energy bills, putting money back in their pockets to spend on other priorities. Supporting Renewable Energy in Nevada and Across America Nevada has the potential to be the nation’s renewable energy epicenter. In fact, I strongly believe that Nevada can become a net exporter of renewable power with the right partnership between federal and state government and the private sector. Nevada’s solar potential is already attracting innovative businesses and southern Nevada’s abundance of clear sunny days makes it one of the best locations for solar energy in the world. Northern Nevada holds some of the largest amount of untapped geothermal resources in the United States, and there are tremendous wind resources throughout the state. That is why in February, I joined with the Center for American Progress Action Fund to host the National Clean Energy Project forum, following up on a similar event I hosted last August. It was admirably moderated by former Senator Tim Wirth and included President William Jefferson Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Representative Ed Markey (D-MA), energy executive T. Boone Pickens, and leaders from government, business, labor, and the non-profit communities. In August 2008, business leaders, elected officials, and experts in energy development and technology came together to develop a list of policy recommendations that will guide federal and local government in rapidly developing clean renewable energy and growing a green economy. The February forum built upon those foundations to discuss modernization our nation’s electricity grid and increasing transmission capacity for renewable energy. Our nation’s security and environment rests on our ability to access renewable energy resources, and to invest in greater energy efficiency. I am pleased that these events have brought together a diverse group of individuals to discuss our country’s growing energy needs. These important conversations, videos from the events, and policy recommendations can be found on the National Clean Energy Project’s’s website. Delivering Renewable Power to Nevadans through Transmission One of the largest impediments to increasing electricity generation from clean renewable sources is accessibility to transmission lines. That is why I have introduced legislation – the Clean Renewable Energy and Economic Development Act (CREEDA) – that charts a course to a cleaner, greener and smarter national energy transmission system without sacrificing reliability or affordability. This will ensure a more secure and sustainable energy future for America. My legislation will require the President to designate renewable energy zones with significant clean energy generating potential. Then, a massive planning effort will begin in all the interconnection areas of the country to maximize the use of that renewable potential by building new transmission capacity. The states would then propose cost allocation means to fund the new lines in the green transmission grid plans. If either process falters, then the federal government would be given clear authority to keep things moving and get the new transmission built on schedule and funded equitably. Some of Nevada’s best renewable energy resources are located in rural areas where access to transmission lines is sorely lacking. Upgrading transmission lines in these energy rich locations will create jobs and can power towns and cities throughout our great state. Transmission lines linking northern Nevada with southern Nevada must be built so that we can fully reap the benefits of our abundant renewable energy resources, improve the reliability of the grid, and make energy use more efficient and affordable. Efficiency and Conservation As energy costs continue to eat into consumers’ savings, our country must make more serious investments in energy efficiency research and in technology deployment. The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy estimated that America wasted $327 billion that could have been saved by making small energy efficient investments with short paybacks. Reducing energy consumption and becoming more energy efficient in our communities, homes and businesses is the most cost-effective and practical way to increase total energy supplies, reduce harmful pollution, and protect our economy from volatile energy prices. Nevadans pay high prices for electricity, and could face additional rate hikes in the near future. Energy efficient homes and buildings reduce the demand for electricity at the utility level and reduce the need for utilities, especially in southern Nevada, to buy expensive out-of-state power to meet peak power needs. Energy efficiency and conservation are practical and cost effective – they have the potential to reduce entire U.S. energy demand by 14 to 19 percent by 2020 without costing a dime in the long run. That is why I have supported legislation that has improved standards for federal and commercial buildings, as well as appliances and lighting. Thanks to landmark energy legislation passed in 2007 consumer appliances, like dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators and freezers will now use less electricity and reduce energy costs. New buildings will have to use less energy, following the federal government’s lead with a new zero net energy initiative for federal buildings. Links
Related Press Releases
|