Republican heavyweight throws support behind RES

Republican senator for Kansas, Sam Brownback has joined the growing chorus of voices calling for bipartisan support in the Senate to include the renewable energy standard (RES) in the American clean energy and leadership act.

However, Brownback opposes the inclusion of carbon cap and trade measures.

Yesterday a coalition of energy, environmental and labour interests lobbied Senate leader Harry Reid to include the RES in the energy bill.

"As we begin consideration of comprehensive energy legislation, it's essential we include ideas that will help drive our national energy production in the direction of more clean, renewable energy," said Brownback in a statement.

"The RES title passed out of the energy committee requires by 2020 that 15 per cent of our country's energy be produced using agreed upon forms of renewable energy, such as wind, solar, and biomass. Under this proposal, utilities are allowed to meet up to 4 per cent of the requirement through energy efficiency.

"I think it was wise that Senate leadership decided against including any form of cap and tax in the proposal,” continued Brownback “With unemployment still hovering close to 10 per cent, the American people have no appetite for legislation that would hurt our economy, while doing little to reduce global temperatures.

"I would argue that most Americans believe that in addressing any challenge, it's necessary to adopt a balanced, pragmatic strategy. In this case, a moderate RES would be an important step towards a cleaner energy future, but without the job-killing provisions that come with cap and tax."

Brownback’s support has been welcomed by, among others, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA)

“Senator Brownback’s [statement] is further demonstration of the bipartisan support that exists for the national Renewable Electricity Standard (RES),” said AWEA chief executive Denise Bode.

“Senator Brownback has experience in Kansas with the economic development benefits of renewable energy and has promoted renewable energy policy in the Senate, providing a key vote in the Senate energy and natural resources committee for the energy bill last year. We believe an RES not only has support for passage, but will strengthen the energy bill’s chances as well.”

Brownback is the ranking member of the water and power subcommittee of the Senate energy and natural resources committee.