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.

“No More Solyndras Bill” is back

It appears that the rebellion by some Republican Congressmen last week against the “No More Solyndras Bill” has been “dealt with” by Republican leadership. No details have emerged on how much blood was shed in putting down the rebellion.

The bill is named for a solar manufacturer that received a $500 million dollar loan guarantee and later filed for bankruptcy. Republicans have spent a year and a lot of money trying to find wrongdoing by the White House. They found none so they are trying to end of the loan programs all together.