National Renewable Portfolio Standard

A national Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) is necessary for the U.S. to fully realize the potential of wind power as a leading energy source. The U.S. Senate has passed a national RPS three times since 2002. Additionally, the U.S. House of Representatives passed their version of the RPS in 2007, however to date both sides have yet to agree on a common approach. Garnering bi-partisan support, a national RPS would benefit Americans by:

• Diversifying the power supply, helping shield consumers from spiking fossil fuel energy costs
  
  
• Strengthening our energy security by using our homegrown renewable energy resource, thus decreasing our dependence on imported fuels
  
  
• Helping to achieve cleaner air and address climate change cost effectively. Adopting a national RPS of 15% by year 2020 could prevent nearly 3 billion tons of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the atmosphere by 2030
  
  
• Spurring economic development, including more jobs, additional income for landowners, and increasing the tax base for areas with wind power projects