By reducing our reliance on expensive and polluting power plants, renewable energy sources also generate consumer savings, new jobs, and economic investments in rural communities. Twenty-five states and the District of Columbia have now adopted a renewable electricity standard, which requires utilities to produce a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable energy sources.

During Senate consideration of H.R. 6, the energy bill, Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) introduced an amendment to establish a 15 percent national standard by 2020. Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM) countered with an amendment that would have allowed conventional and polluting sources of energy, such as coal-fired power plants and nuclear power, to qualify for credits under the national standard. The Domenici amendment would have effectively eliminated any increase in renewable energy production. On June 14, 2007, the Senate voted 56-39 to table the amendment (Senate roll call vote 211). YES IS THE PRO-ENVIRONMENT VOTE.