Democrats May Give Alternative Energy a New Push (NYT)

[jpak]

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/10/business/yourmoney/10energy.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

THE fortunes of alternative energy companies have been linked to two factors outside their control: oil prices and politics.
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Holly Kuper

Fuel Tech equipment in use in Wyoming. The company makes various systems to reduce emissions from a variety of chemical and coal-fired plants.

Rising oil prices have moved in the companies’ favor over the last few years, making the price of producing energy from wind, solar, geothermal or organic sources more competitive.

Now some analysts and money managers are hoping the imminent Democratic takeover of Congress will also be bullish for alternative energy stocks by improving prospects for favorable legislation for the industry.

One likely initiative, known as a national renewable portfolio standard, would require utilities to derive 10 percent of their electricity output from renewable sources by 2020. Currently, less than 3 percent of electricity is generated from such sources. Senator Jeff Bingaman, Democrat of New Mexico, the presumptive chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, says he hopes to pass “some version” of a renewable portfolio standard in the next Congress.

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Note: 23 states already have Renewable Portfolio Standards ranging from 10-30%...

[kestrel91316]

1. I hope everyone realizes Bush WILL veto this:

"Senator Jeff Bingaman, Democrat of New Mexico, the presumptive chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, says he hopes to pass “some version” of a renewable portfolio standard in the next Congress."

[jpak]

2. 10% is technologically feasible and economically sound and politically doable

and it's what the 'Merican want...

It's the **bare** minimum of what can be accomplished (and nearly half the states will have a 10% RPS in place before 2015).

The only GOP opposition will come from the South - hopefully enough votes will be cast to override any Chimp veto.