Woolsey introduces renewable energy bill

Marin IJ 7-16-01

By Nancy Isles Nation

Legislation designed to ensure that 20 percent of the energy generated in the United States is produced from renewable sources other than hydro-electric power by 2020 has been introduced by Rep. Lynn Woolsey.

The Comprehensive Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Act of 2001 calls for new investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency as well as competitive grants to help bring new technology to the market.

"We must establish a more level playing field for renewable energy sources so we can reduce our reliance on coal and fossil fuels," said Woolsey, D-Petaluma. "We must encourage the development of green industries through increased emphasis on energy efficient technologies, and we must expand those energy sources that will contribute to a more sustainable long-term energy future."

The bill includes energy efficiency provisions for schools, homes and vehicles, and calls on the federal government to set an example by adopting new standards for use of renewable energy efficiency measures. The bill also offers tax incentives to individuals and industry for increased investment in, and use of, renewable energy technologies and energy efficient products, buildings and technologies.

Marjorie Macris of Mill Valley, an executive committee member of the San Francisco Bay Chapter of the Sierra Club, said the environmental community supports measures that encourage greater use of renewable energy sources.

"That's a top priority of the Sierra Club, so we would be greatly supportive of that effort," Macris said.

Fielding Greaves of Marin United Taxpayers said his organization has not discussed the bill because it is so new, but he is in favor of developing renewable energy sources.

"I don't know whether it's practical to set a specific percentage figure like that; however, I'm in favor of creating energy from renewable or natural sources," Greaves said. "We've got the tidal motion and the swift-running stream that runs through the Golden Gate, back and forth, twice a day, and those could be harnessed."

Greaves said he understands that hemp can be converted into butane to provide energy.

"Whatever is possible in that line, chemically speaking, should certainly be considered and given a fair chance in the marketplace," Greaves said.

If the bill is passed, builders of new homes with 30 or 50 percent greater energy efficiency than the national standard would be eligible for incentives.

Homeowners would get credit for investments in energy-efficient features such as windows, skylights and insulation.

Homeowners who buy photovoltaic solar panels would be eligible for credits of 30 percent of the purchase price.

The bill would authorize $420 million for research and development of wind, photovoltaic, solar thermal, geothermal, hydrogen, hydropower and electric energy and storage programs in 2002. The funding would increase annually to $655 million by 2006.