National Climate Change Legislation
Climate legislation proposals have been introduced during this legislative session. Information about the status of the proposals is available on the American Wind Energy Association’s legislative web page.
Policy recommendation:
Climate legislation must include an aggressive near-term goal, such as a 15 to 20% carbon dioxide reduction by 2020, in order to promote a near-term shift to renewable energy and get the quick start on greenhouse gas emissions reductions scientists tell us is needed.
As the most readily deployable source of carbon-free electricity generation, wind power is uniquely positioned to contribute to the global warming solution, especially in the early years of the climate protection effort, when few other options are available. Generating 20% of U.S. electricity from wind would be the climate equivalent of removing 140 million vehicles from the roadways. But that potential will not be realized unless climate legislation provides an economic incentive to switch to clean energy sources. Under a cap-and-trade system, any method of distributing emission allowances must include a fair allocation to renewable energy. In addition, climate legislation must include an aggressive near-term goal, such as a 15 to 20% carbon dioxide reduction by 2020, in order to promote a near-term shift to renewable energy and get the quick start on greenhouse gas emissions reductions scientists tell us is needed. Finally, a portion of the revenues generated by auctioning allowances should be used to finance key renewable energy priorities, including a renewable energy production incentive, support for the new interstate transmission highway system, training for the growing renewable industry workforce, incentives for manufacturers, and research and development. For small wind systems, climate legislation should also include consumer rebates and incentives for states, utilities and manufacturers.
For more information, please review the detailed policy recommendation.
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