Union of Concerned Scientists: National Energy Bill a Dirty and Dangerous Failure

"For the third time in four years, Congress is on the brink of passing an energy bill that will pollute our air and water while costing the average consumer more money," said Alden Meyer, Director of Strategy and Policy for the Union of Concerned Scientists. "This bill does virtually nothing to relieve the twin energy burdens on energy consumers -- high gasoline prices and high home energy costs - and adds insult to injury by jeopardizing the security of every American."
The House conferees ignored overwhelming evidence that renewable energy will save consumers money and stripped the renewable electricity standard (also known as a renewable portfolio standard) from the final bill. The renewable standard, which passed the Senate with bi-partisan support, would have required major electric companies to gradually increase sales of electricity from wind, solar, and other renewable sources from two percent today to about 10 percent by 2020.