Print

Lujan and Welch Introduce National Renewable Energy and Efficiency Standard Legislation

07/31/15

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) this week introduced legislation that creates a national renewable energy and energy efficiency standard that will reduce carbon emissions and drive the deployment of clean energy resources around the country.

“Promoting the use of renewable energy and increased energy efficiency is not only good for our environment, but it is good for our economy and for consumers,” Congressman Luján said.  “A number of states, including New Mexico, have taken the lead with a renewable energy standard, and a national standard will further encourage the development of a clean energy economy that creates good jobs and enhances our economic competitiveness.  This legislation will also help hard-working families by lowering energy bills and putting more money back in their pockets.”

“The United States is lagging behind on energy efficiency and renewable energy resources.  We have barely scratched the surface of our potential,” Congressman Welch said. “This legislation charts a new energy future where energy efficiency and renewable technologies are put to work creating jobs, saving money and improving the environment.”

The American Renewable Energy and Efficiency Act would require electric utilities, by 2030, to obtain at least 30 percent of their electricity supply from renewable sources and achieve a 20 percent reduction in electricity use and a 13 percent reduction in natural gas use.   

“We strongly support Rep. Welch and Rep. Luján’s introduction of the American Renewable Energy and Efficiency Act and applaud his leadership in promoting renewable energy nationwide.  The establishment of a national renewable electricity standard will lower energy costs for consumers, drive new investment and job growth, and diversify our nation’s energy resources,” said the American Wind Energy Association.

“Analysis shows a 30 percent by 2030 national RES is achievable and would provide substantial consumer, economic, and climate benefits,” said Jeff Deyette, senior energy analyst for the Union of Concerned Scientists. “Combining an energy efficiency resource standard with a national RES would add to these benefits while accelerating the innovation and investments needed to transition the U.S. to a clean energy economy.”

Supporters of the legislation include Sierra Club, Union of Concerned Scientists, Natural Resources Defense Council, and the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.

Reps. Welch and Luján are members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

# # #

  • Office Locations

    Office Name Location Image Map URL
    Washington D.C.

    2446 Rayburn HOB
    Washington, D.C. 20515
    Ph: (202) 225-6190
    Fax: (202) 226-1528

    		 http://goo.gl/maps/eSBHB
    Santa Fe Office
    1611 Calle Lorca, Suite A
    Santa Fe, NM 87505
    Ph: (505) 984-8950
    Fax: (505) 986-5047    		 https://goo.gl/maps/6sWMU
    Rio Rancho Office
    3200 Civic Center NE Suite 330
    Rio Rancho, NM 87144
    Ph: (505) 994-0499
    Fax: (505) 994-0550    		 http://goo.gl/maps/aDa0m
    Farmington Office 800 Municipal Dr.
    Farmington, NM 87401
    Ph: (505) 324-1005
    Fax: (505) 324-1026    		 http://goo.gl/maps/eZ729
    Gallup Office 110 West Aztec Avenue
    Gallup, NM 87301
    Ph: (505) 863-0582
    Fax: (505) 863-0678    		  
    Las VegasOffice 110 West Aztec Avenue
    Gallup, NM 87301
    Ph: (505) 863-0582
    Fax: (505) 863-0678    		  
    Tucumcari Office 110 West Aztec Avenue
    Gallup, NM 87301
    Ph: (505) 863-0582
    Fax: (505) 863-0678    		  

  • HIDDEN_WEBSITE_VARIABLES

    How to use: Insert <span class="EXACT_VALUE_LABEL_AS_ENTERED_BELOW">&nbsp;</span> where you'd like the value to be populated.

    Non-breaking space within span tags - &nbsp; - is required for WYSIWYG.

    Label
    (no spaces or special characters)

    Value

    		 Comments (optional)
    repName John Smith  
    helpWithFedAgencyAddress Haverhill District Office
    1234 S. Courthouse
    Haverhill, CA 35602    		  
    district 21st District of California  
    academyUSCitizenDate July 1, 2012  
    academyAgeDate July 1, 2012  
    academyApplicationDueDate October 20, 2012  
    repStateABBR AZ  
    repDistrict 1  
    repState Arizona  
    repDistrictText 1st  
    repPhoto  
    SponsoredBills Sponsored Bills  
    CoSponsoredBills Co-Sponsored Bills