Representative Peter Welch (D-Vermont) has introduced legislation creating a national renewable energy standard that aims to reduce carbon emissions and create more renewable energy generation. The bill would require energy producers in the United States to meet ambitious goals for renewable energy generation.
According to a U.N. 2018 climate change report, carbon emissions must decline by nearly half in the next ten years to avoid the worst consequences of climate change, a statement issued this week by Welch’s office said.
The American Renewable Energy Act of 2021 establishes an ambitious renewable energy standard to require retail electricity suppliers to achieve at least 70% renewable electricity generation by 2030, Welch said. This requirement begins at 20% in 2021 and gradually increases to 70% by 2030. The bill includes provisions to increase deployment of clean energy resources to every region of the country and ensure that investment and benefits are driven to communities most impacted by climate change.