New U.S. Energy Goal Adopted By Senate

News Date June 18, 2007

Last week, the U.S. Senate adopted by unanimous consent a resolution calling for a new national renewable energy goal: 25 percent of the nation's energy supply from renewable sources by 2025. The resolution, which builds on a vision developed by a broad coalition of agriculture, forestry, industry, and environmental leaders, was adopted by voice vote as an amendment to the energy legislation currently under consideration on the Senate floor. A final vote on the full Senate energy package is expected this week. NASDA is a member of the 25x'25 Alliance.
        
"The 25x'25 resolution stresses the virtue of exploring an all-inclusive renewable energy strategy by emphasizing the need to cultivate energy from all kinds of renewable resources, such as wind, biomass, solar, hydropower and geothermal sources," said lead sponsor, Sen. Ken Salazar (D-Colo.). The 25x'25 vision "is bold and fully attainable. If implemented, it would dramatically improve our energy security, our economy, and our ability to protect the environment and combat global warming," he added. The amendment also reinforces the 25x'25 principle that the U.S. agricultural and forestry industries, while producing renewable energy, will continue to produce safe, abundant and affordable food feed and fiber."
        
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), another cosponsor, said the pending energy legislation "is an appropriate place to include the 25x'25 resolution. The 25x'25 vision sets workable goals for renewable energy production and use that we can all aim for with sensible policies and initiatives." Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), who is also a lead cosponsor, said "energy security is tied to national security and also means income and economic opportunity for agriculture and rural America."
        
The resolution has the support of more than 500 national, regional and local agricultural, forestry, business, energy, environmental, and labor organizations; along with more than a third of the nation's governors and 10 state legislatures. A similar resolution, H. Con. Res. 25, is pending in the House of Representatives. (Contact: Jennifer Yezak)