As I highlighted in the last entry - and just about every entry before that - energy policy is heating-up.  I know we have this snotty penchant, which is so typical of the elite New Yorker, to say “I told you so”.  For that we are truly sorry.

But we can't help it, politicians keep proving us right.  A bipartisan group has introduced a bill that calls for 25% of the nation's energy supply from renewable sources by 2025.  The bill applies mainly to transportation fuels, for which bio fuels would be the strongest contender.  (The jury is still out about the future of bio fuels, but a hearty debate on the topic is discussed by the champions of mirth, grist.org). 

However, transportation fuels aren't really the hot topic for us urbanites.  Public transportation and self propulsion are our preferred means of transport.

Nevertheless, we do understand that this nation loves automobiles, and is on an oil binge that would make Lindsay Lohan jealous.  Once transportation fuels have been settled, we hope the Senators will consider a National Renewable Portfolio Standard (R.P.S.). (And by settled I mean when they get bored with that issue and need a new one). 

And wouldn't you know it, NNEC has a few ideas on how an R.P.S. could work.  Here's how:

+ A Renewable Energy Goal Based on Demand

By setting the RPS level as 20% of electricity demand rather than electricity generation, our plan creates incentives for utilities to pursue demand-reduction strategies like energy efficiency, improved load management and net metering.

+ National Net Metering Standards

We propose national standards for home and business owners that want to generate their own electricity and sell the excess back to the grid.  Thirty-six states have established their own programs, creating a patchwork of regulations and a sea of red tape that hinders citizens from being self-reliant.

+ National Renewable Energy Credit (REC) Market

RECs put a monetary value on the environmental benefits of renewable energy.  Our plan creates a national market that pegs the value of RECs to the retail price of electricity, generating market incentives for utilities to either invest in more renewable energy or keep the cost of clean energy low for consumers who want to invest in their own.

What are the benefits of our plan?

* Decrease electricity prices by 13 to 17 percent

* Save consumers more than $580 million

* Save utilities as much as $74 billion

* Decrease the probability of a major blackout from 100% to 1%

* Make the U.S. transmission grid safer from terrorist attack.

A national RPS is well over due.