http://www.renewableaccess.com/rea/news/story?id=48960National Renewable Energy Portfolio (RPS) legislation introduced by Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM), which included clean coal technology and nuclear power alongside traditional sources of renewable energy, was voted down in the U.S. Senate this afternoon 56-29.
Domenici, ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, introduced an amendment yesterday to establish a National Clean Portfolio Standard (CPS) as an alternative to a proposal introduced by Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM). Bingaman's amendment calls for a National Renewable Portfolio (RPS) requiring 15 percent of electricity generated in the U.S. to come from renewables by 2020.
The legislation proposed by Domenici, which was co-authored by Senator Larry Craig (R-Idaho), expanded the standard to 20 percent as well as included clean coal technology and nuclear power—and argued it would bring more states into the clean energy fold.
"If we insist on forcing electricity generators to reach specific targets on the use of clean energy sources, then let's make sure we allow all clean sources to be considered," said Domenici yesterday addressing the U.S. Senate.
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