Historically Bipartisan Law Offers a Template for Energy Progress

As committees in both the House and the Senate begin to consider a slew of legislative energy proposals, one promising area for potential bipartisan collaboration is coming into focus – the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act, or PURPA.  Today, the Center for American Progress is releasing a new report that recommends how to amend PURPA to help address the pressing energy challenges we face today.  

The electricity sector in the United States is experiencing a period of dynamic change.  Technological advancements are making energy available from new and innovative sources and offering an array of tools for managing and understanding the way we use energy.  Market forces are pushing natural gas in and backing coal out, while renewable energy is increasing its share of the national market. Regulations, like the proposed Clean Power Plan, are charting a course toward a low carbon future.  And the reality of climate change is barging onto the scene for the electricity sector – bringing challenges such as straining water supplies relied upon for cooling coal-fired and nuclear power plants and turning hydroelectric turbines.   

Move Over, Mandates: Can a New ‘Personal Energy Independence’ Bill Entice Congress?

Federal policy proposals in support of clean energy are often blunt and controversial, relying mostly on mandates or targets that trouble free-market conservatives.

Numerous bills creating a national renewable energy target have been shut down over the years. Recent carbon regulations from the White House that effectively create new clean energy targets for states have also sparked fierce legal opposition from the energy industry and Congressional leaders.

What has policy brought us in California?

Government support for renewable energy is a subject of national debate. In particular, many are scrutinizing the Federal Production Tax Credit for wind energy -- absent legislative action, it expires in December.

Policymakers across the political spectrum are asking questions like "has government support of renewable projects been effective?" and "should government support be continued or scrapped?" Investors in renewable energy are similarly interested in how policies can best provide stable support to help the industry mature.