WORC supports state and federal policies that establish renewable electricity standards, requiring utilities to buy or generate a specific percentage of their energy from clean, renewable sources by a specific date.

To date, 21 states and Washington, DC, have implemented renewable electricity standards (RES) that are building the growing market for clean and renewable energy resources, saving money, creating jobs and protecting the environment.

WORC urges Senators to pass ambitious, proactive Renewable Electricity Standards

As Congress contemplates major legislation on jobs, energy and climate change, WORC and its member groups called on Western state Senators to adopt ambitious, yet readily achievable goals for renewable energy and energy efficiency for 2025. The letter calls for a 25% Renewable Energy Standard (RES) and a 10% Energy Efficiency Standard (EES) by 2025.

• Read letter

Senate Keeps Coal and Nuclear Power Out of Renewable Energy Standard

In 2007, Representative Tom Udall (D-NM) introduced HR 969 to require utilities to generate or buy 20 percent of their energy from clean, renewable sources by 2020.

This bill would have dramatically expand our nation’s use of clean, renewable energy, and would have created jobs, lowered natural gas and electricity prices, and protected our environment.

• Union of Concerned Scientists RES Fact Sheets