The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing tomorrow to discuss the implementation of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This hearing, part of a series of hearings to discuss the effects of the Energy Policy Act, will focus on the bill’s impact on renewable energy production on public lands in the western United States.
The Energy Policy Act contains provisions to encourage the expansion of renewable energy sectors including geothermal, wind, solar, and others. The act revised previous geothermal leasing programs by changing purchase requirements and offering additional tax credits. It also established the Intermountain West Geothermal Consortium in order to address policy issues related to geothermal energy.
In multiple reports, the Center for American Progress has urged the federal government to unite with citizens, business, and environmental groups to reshape the energy landscape in order to create a stronger economy, a safer world, and a cleaner environment. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 begins to promote change, but further advancement is necessary in order to make sustainable progress. Four broad goals should be the cornerstones of America’s energy future:
1. Dramatically reducing oil consumption by the transportation sector, which accounts for about two-thirds of the oil Americans use.
2. Enhancing domestic energy supplies by making more significant investments in clean, renewable energy sources such as biomass, wind, geothermal, and solar energy.
3. Better utilizing current energy sources by adopting efficient technologies, modernizing the energy grid, and promoting energy research in order to reduce costs for consumers and business.
4. Reasserting American leadership on climate change by teaming up with allies like Great Britain to limit emissions and provide incentives to developing countries to join the effort.
The Center for American Progress has done extensive research in these policy areas. Many of our proposals are now under consideration in the Senate. As the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee meets tomorrow, we urge them to consider the Energy Policy Act the first step in a longer, deeper push to create a sustainable energy future.
For more in depth policy suggestions, see: