"The federal government is ultimately responsible for the long-term -- consistent policy" for energy companies, Secretary of Energy Chu said. "A clean energy portfolio standard is one example of a potential policy that the administration and Congress should discuss. -- In this time of fiscal austerity I propose such a standard." -- Secretary Steven Chu
With each passing day, the odds of Congress passing a Renewable Electricity Standard grow more and more dim. But Energy Secretary Chu, Senator Graham and others are now promoting a similar mandate, just with a new name. Instead of a renewable electricity mandate, they are promoting a “clean energy standard” to “encourage” investments in nuclear energy, coal with carbon capture and sequestration technology, and renewable energy in the electric generating sector. But despite the happy talk about “clean energy standards,” these mandates will increase electricity prices and make our economy less competitive.
