Washington, D.C. — As the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee considers myriad energy proposals today, the Center for American Progress has released a report that highlights one promising area for potential bipartisan collaboration that will help address the nation’s pressing energy challenges. The report outlines potential amendments to the Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act, or PURPA.
“Last week, Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) called for bipartisan legislation that responds to climate change through renewable energy, efficiency, and otherwise reducing emissions,” said Greg Dotson, Vice President for Energy Policy at CAP and a co-author of the report. “The report we’re releasing today makes recommendations that could be helpful in crafting just such a bill.”
The CAP report recommends that Congress amend PURPA to require state public utility commissions to consider boosting energy efficiency through technology and regulation; establishing policies that promote clean energy; and ensuring that utilities develop the resilience they need to provide reliable service in the face of the impacts of climate change.
Congress has amended PURPA three times over the past four decades to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Each time, the PURPA amendments received bipartisan support and were signed into law by Republican presidents.
Click here to read the report.
For more information on this topic or to speak with an expert, contact Tom Caiazza at [email protected] or 202.481.7141.