STATEMENT: WRI Response to the Introduction of the Clean Energy Standard Act of 2012

Today, Sen. Jeff Bingaman introduced the Clean Energy Standard Act of 2012. Following is a statement from Kevin Kennedy, Director, U.S. Climate Initiative, World Resources Institute:

“The introduction of the Clean Energy Standard Act is a welcome step toward restarting the important discussion around a national climate and energy policy in the United States. This bill would create much-needed certainty for clean energy investments while driving down greenhouse gas emissions.

“Senator Bingaman has put forward a vision for what Congress can and should do to put America on a path toward a less carbon-intensive and more sustainable energy future. Given the bipartisan history behind clean energy standards, this bill should help drive an overdue conversation about our national energy policy. We expect to see a lively debate over the details of the bill, but serious engagement on these issues will serve the national interest for decades to come.

“Make no mistake: if this bill becomes law, we will see a wave of clean energy investment in America. It’s time for the U.S. to get off the sidelines and into the clean energy game— and seize the economic and environmental benefits that come with it.”

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Read WRI’s blog post on the Clean Energy Standard Act of 2012 by James Bradbury and Kevin Kennedy: Proposed Clean Energy Standard Could Wake Up U.S. Energy Policy.

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