The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, H.R. 2454, has reached the House of Representatives. The Business Council for Sustainable Energy, an industry coalition of energy efficiency, renewable energy and natural gas businesses and trade associations, is urging passage of the Act while also suggesting the following improvements:

  • Strengthening the Renewable Electricity and Energy Efficiency Standards with stronger near-term renewable energy and energy efficiency targets;
  • Allocating allowances to spur private capital flows as well as to ensure consumer benefit through expanding support for energy efficiency and renewable energy, with allowances going directly to renewable generators, consumers and clean energy project investors;
  • Adoption of clean energy tax incentives;
  • Expanding offset opportunities by removing the discounting of international offsets and providing clarity on international offset eligibility and
  • Ensuring flexibility through market-mechanisms and financial instruments to allow businesses to manage risks and protect consumers.

    While agreeing that components of the bill may need to be strengthened, the World Resources Institute (WRI) also strongly supports passage of the Act. In addition, 20 U.S. companies and electric utilities including like Duke Energy, National Grid, and NRG Energy along with a coalition of environmental groups have publicly indicated their support. (Source: New York Times, June 23, 3009/WRI, Business Council, June 24, 2009)

    Contact: Laura Tierney, Business Council for Sustainable Energy, (202) 785-0507, ltierney@bcse.org, www.bcse.org; Paul Mackie, Director of Media Relations, World Resources, (202) 729-7684, pmackie@wri.org, www.wri.org

  •