A bipartisan group of Senators and Representatives have re-introduced the 25x'25 House and Senate Concurrent Resolutions calling for a new national renewable energy goal: 25% of the nation’s energy supply from renewable sources by 2025. The resolutions spring from an expanding and politically influential coalition that now includes nearly 400 agriculture, industry, and environmental groups, as well as over 20 current and former governors and several state legislatures.
"Today we have Republicans and Democrats, rural and urban interests, and representatives from a diverse array of farm, forestry, business and environmental organizations coming together behind a common energy goal for the nation," said 25x'25 Steering Committee Co-Chair Bill Richards. "Our alliance has gained unprecedented support for such an approach." "We are excited that the sponsors moved so quickly to re-introduce the bill and applaud them for their leadership," Richards said. "We look forward to working with them to advance the 25x'25 goal and the enabling policies that will bring this vision to life."
Lead sponsors in the Senate this year include: Sens. Ken Salazar (D- CO), Charles Grassley (R-IA), Tom Harkin (D-IA), Richard Lugar (R- IN), Barack Obama (D-Ill), and Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.). Lead House sponsors are: Reps. Collin Peterson (D-MN), Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Mark Udall (D- CO), and Zach Wamp (R-TN).
"Setting the goal of 25x'25 is the critical first step in moving toward an America that is more secure, more environmentally sound, and more energy self- sufficient," said Co-Chair Read Smith. "Goals are important. Goals were important when we electrified rural America, when we built the interstate highway system, and when we sent a man to the moon. We urge all Americans to join with us in this historic opportunity."
The Senate Resolution, S. Con. Res. 3 is being introduced with more than 20 co-sponsors, and the House Resolution, H. Con. Res. 25, currently has 35 co-sponsors.
