After extensive debate in the House last week, the draft Waxman-Markey climate bill (the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009) is expected to enter the markup (or pin-the-amendment-on-the-bill) stage next week in the Energy and Environment Subcommittee. Even the relatively innocuous renewable electricity standard is expected to be a target.
The draft climate bill that will emerge from the subcommittee markup may be quite different from what went in. Indications are that conservative and moderate Democrats will try to reshape (some might argue water down) the bill, while Republicans will try to go for the jugular and kill -- or at least delay -- it for another year.
One aspect under attack by moderate and conservative Democrats is the renewable electricity standard. But after reading the government's just-released economic analysis of the impact of the proposed numbers, I have to ask why. Here are some statistics to consider.
Benefit of the Draft Bill's Proposed Renewable Standard Is Significant
Nominal amount of renewable electricity mandated by the draft bill: 25%
Actual amount after efficiency credits and exemptions (such as small retailers, existing hydro and municipal waste) are factored in: 17%
Estimated reduction in carbon emissions from electricity sector in 2030, from standards proposed in draft proposal: between 7 and 12%
Upping Renewable Electricity Production Affordable
How much the average household's current monthly electricity costs is expected to go up or down under proposed renewable electricity standards versus business as usual
A typical U.S. household consumes about 940 kWh per month. http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/ask/electricity_faqs.asp
Democratic Reps Looking to Weaken Proposal
House Democrats who have publicly come out against the proposed 25% renewable standard (note - this list is not comprehensive): Rick Boucher (D-VA), Mike Doyle (D-PA), Charles Gonzalez (D-TX), G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), Charlie Melancon (D-LA), Baron Hill (D-IN), John Dingell (D-MI), Gene Green (D-TX), Mike Ross (D-AR), Jim Matheson (D-UT), John Barrow (D-GA)
Dr. Bill Chameides is the dean of Duke's Nicholas School of the Environment and a member of the National Academy of Sciences. He blogs regularly at theGreenGrok.com.