Approximately two months ago, the energy industry in the United States ran into some serious turbulence. The semi-submersible Deepwater Horizon rig exploded, killing 11 and unleashing anywhere between 20,000 and 40,000 gallons of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico.
Since that day, rig owner BP plc has made multiple attempts to stop the oil leak to no avail. In response to this threat, president Barack Obama addressed the nation from the Oval Office. He spoke of the tragedy in the Gulf, but he also spoke of the need for a clean energy economy right here in America. “The tragedy unfolding on our coast is the most painful and powerful reminder yet that the time to embrace a clean energy future is now. Now is the moment for this generation to embark on a national mission to unleash America’s innovation and seize control of our own destiny.”
Since president Obama ran for the office, he has led with the goal of a clean energy economy, but now with this crisis in the Gulf Coast the realization of that goal seems closer than ever. “Last year, the House of Representatives acted on these principles by passing a strong and comprehensive energy and climate bill –- a bill that finally makes clean energy the profitable kind of energy for America’s businesses” said president Obama.
This bill, the American Clean Energy and Security Act, includes provisions for decreasing the emissions of greenhouse gases, but it does not support the increasingly necessary stipulations of a national renewable portfolio standard. According to the American Wind Energy Association, a strong renewable electricity standard is absolutely essential to the future of the energy industry. In fact, AWEA is hosting a renewable electricity standards campaign webcast. All those interested in attending and learning more about how a strong RES will benefit the energy industry should register for the June 24th webcast.
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