Domenici Statement on Revised RPS Proposal
June 20, 2007
02:33 PM
WASHINGTON – In response to a revised Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) amendment filed by Senator Jeff Bingaman, U.S. Senator Pete Domenici, ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, issued the following statement:
“The new, revised RPS proposal introduced by Senator Bingaman does nothing to address the inequities faced by southeastern states. This proposal would still require that 11 percent of electricity come from a limited number of sources—largely just wind energy. And there is still an overall 15 percent mandate in this proposal.
“Though the inclusion of efficiency standards is a positive step, they will hardly make up for the complete lack of specific resources that naturally exist in a large part of the country. In addition, experts believe that efficiency alone cannot achieve the purposes intended by this amendment. Costs will still be passed onto consumers.
“Let me reiterate my belief that inclusion of an RPS scheme in this bill would place its passage in serious jeopardy. This amendment continues to force a one-size fits all approach on our nation, and I believe that’s the wrong course to take.”
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