On Earth Day Lance Backs Legislation Calling For An Increase In Renewable Energy

Press Release

In honor of Earth Day 2009, Rep. Leonard Lance (NJ-07) announced his support for bipartisan legislation known as the "American Renewable Energy Act" (H.R. 890). The bill would establish a renewable electricity standard (RES) to help ensure America is generating a quarter of its electricity from clean energy sources by 2025.

"This important legislation will help protect our environment while moving us closer toward energy security and independence through investment in renewable energy," said Lance. "If we want to get serious about alternative energy we have got to rely more on clean, renewable energy sources like wind, solar and geothermal. In New Jersey, our state is leading the nation in supporting and investing in renewable energy programs. Establishing a federal renewable electricity standard will help other areas of the country to follow our lead."

Specifically, the American Renewable Energy Act creates a national renewable electricity standard (RES) that calls for generating 25 percent of electricity from renewable sources like wind, solar and geothermal by 2025.

Recently, Lance joined environmental organizations, business leaders and labor unions in a special energy public forum to discuss renewable energy and its impact on the economy.

Lance said the bipartisan bill was introduced earlier this year by Reps. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Todd Platts (R-Pa.).

"When it comes to protecting our environment, every day should be Earth Day," concluded Lan

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