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House Unveils Clean Energy Plan

Democrats' plan aims for a painless shift toward a clean energy economy

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 1, 2009 2:23 AM CDT

(Newser) – House Democrats released a draft bill yesterday that aims to fast-track a shift to clean energy, reports the Christian Science Monitor. The plan calls for vastly improved energy efficiency, accelerated development of clean energy sources, and a 20% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The draft was hailed by supporters as a strong "starting point," while Republicans and power companies charged that it would kill jobs and drive up energy prices. A floor vote is expected in May.

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A wind turbine blade is displayed during the opening of a factory in Windsor, Colo. Republican critics of the bill cited a study saying that jobs in renewable energy pay less than those in oil. (AP Photo/File,Jack Dempsey)

The House energy bills calls for 25% of all America's electricity to come from renewable sources by 2025. (AP Photo/Heribert Proepper)

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Our goal is to strengthen our economy by making America the world leader in new clean energy and energy efficiency technology. - Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 3 comments

Robert_Dada

Apr 1, 2009 12:03 PM CDT

Instead of plowing all this taxpayer money into financial institutions, place into temporary receivership until they are broken down to small, more manageable and profitable entities. Then divert the taxpayer funds into clean energy start-ups and related businesses, to give them the necessary capital to get on their feet and become profitable, self-sustaining entities.

Doctor-Zaius

Apr 1, 2009 11:02 AM CDT

Yes, it would kill jobs because there are no new jobs created when you switch an economy from one type of power to several new types of power technologies. Please. You would have to have your head up your ass to believe that one.

riffran

Apr 1, 2009 9:55 AM CDT

the entire planet has been on an oil based economy for how long?....Until the infrastructure for the renewables has grown more solid...absolutely it would kill jobs, and drive up energy prices...The transition has to be slow, to avoid great economic impact. IF the new start ups can get a foothold AND put out a good product and do it better than whats in place, it will work. BUT until then.......

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Christian Science Monitor (Source Grid »)
Associated Press (Source Grid »)

Bill's provisions include renewable electricity mandate
CNET

A round-up of reactions to the plan
New York Times

'Cap and trade' measures cause controversy
BusinessWeek

Politics • Science

energy • cap and trade • House of Representatives • energy industry • clean energy • House Energy and Commerce Committee • greenhouse-gas emissions

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House Unveils Clean Energy Plan