Tom Udall: “Mr. Chairman, if we really want to achieve energy independence, we need to make a national commitment to a common floor…”

“Mr. Chairman, if we really want to achieve energy independence, we need to make a national commitment to a common floor for a renewable portfolio standard. One size does not fit all, and that's why this amendment sets up a flexible, market-based trading system that lets utilities choose whether to develop renewable generation themselves or purchase credits from firms that have lower costs. If everybody does this, natural gas in the south and other places will go down. The concept of an RPS is not new, but recently it is gaining support like never before. Twenty-three States have passed versions of this. In my State of Colorado, the voters passed this over the objection of industry and the utilities. It was so successful that the legislature and Governor, with the support of industry, utilities and the farm community, increased our RPS by 20 percent by 2020 this year. It is the right thing to do. It is a good national commitment, and we believe by working together we can all meet this standard.”