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WHEREAS, Representatives Mark Udall (D-NM) and Todd Platts (R-PA) have introduced House Bill 969 to establish a national Renewable Energy Standard (RES) and to require that 20 percent of America's electricity be produced by renewable sources by 2020; and
WHEREAS, a national Renewable Energy Standard would require that electric providers produce a set percentage of their electricity from renewable sources including wind, solar, geothermal and bioenergy; and
WHEREAS, a 2006 analysis by U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) found that by obtaining 20 percent of our electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020, the United States could cut global warming pollution over 500 million tons, which is the equivalent of removing 89 million cars from the road; and
WHEREAS, a recent analysis done by the Union of Concerned Scientists also predicts that the 20% by 2020 Renewable Energy Standard would create over 355,000 new high-paying jobs and save consumers over $49 billion on gas and electric bills; and
WHEREAS, in a commissioned study, the Apollo Alliance ranked Pennsylvania 6th in the nation as having the greatest potential to generate new manufacturing jobs to meet the demand for wind and solar energy production; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania has joined over 20 other states nationwide in adopting a state Renewable Energy Standard; and
WHEREAS, Mike Doyle, congressional representative from the 14th congressional district of Pennsylvania, along with 116 other congressional representatives from around the nation have co-sponsored HR 969; and
WHEREAS, in an era of rising energy costs, global warming, and international political uncertainty, committing to a national Renewable Energy Standard is a critical step toward a cleaner, more secure energy future.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh calls on U.S. Representatives Jason Altmire and Tim Murphy, and all other members of Pennsylvania's Congressional...
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