AMHERST, MA "“ June 14, 2007 - Standing before 69 pinwheels spread out in the Amherst common, campaign staff from Environment Massachusetts, the new home of MASSPIRG's environmental work today highlighted the potential and support for renewable energy in Massachusetts. The 69 pinwheels were displayed to represent the number of wind turbines that could supply 20 percent of Hampshire County's electricity. Environment Massachusetts staff also called on Congress to establish a national Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) requiring that utilities generate 20% of their electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar by 2020, an issue that will be debated in the House and Senate this month.

"There is no question that America has the know-how to move beyond fossil fuels and to tap into our abundant renewable energy resources," said Peggy Mansperger, a campaign director with Environment Massachusetts. "But right now we're just sitting on a winning lottery ticket when it comes to renewable energy - we're not tapping into the potential that exists here in Massachusetts."

Currently, Massachusetts derives only about five percent of its electricity from clean, renewable sources of energy like wind and solar power. Countries like Denmark currently derive more than 20 percent of their overall electricity generation from wind power alone.

One of the most proven policies to drive renewable energy development, an RES, also known as a "renewable portfolio standard" or RPS, has been enacted in more than 20 states, including Massachusetts. These policies require that utilities generate a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable sources. Due to the economic and environmental benefits these policies have delivered, ten states have now strengthened or expanded their standards.

With Congress seeking to address energy security and global warming this summer, there is momentum building to establish a national RES. Environment Massachusetts is calling on Congress to pass legislation to establish a national RES of 20 percent by 2020.

"Now is the time to take bold steps toward a new energy future," said Gorke. "The result will be a cleaner and more secure economy, new jobs for today and tomorrow, and stable energy prices for consumers," said Gorke.

An analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists found that a standard of 20 percent by 2020 would create 355,000 jobs, save consumers $49 billion on their electric bills, and direct $16.2 billion to rural communities.

Environment Massachusetts specifically thanked Representative Olver for his support of H.R. 969, which would establish a 20% by 2020 Renewable Electricity Standard.

"Bay Staters want to put American innovation and ingenuity to work to solve our energy problems," stated Mansperger. "By supporting HR 969, Representatives, Olver, Frank, Tierney and Markey are helping deliver on the promise of renewable energy," concluded Mansperger.

Environment Massachusetts is the new home of MASSPIRG's environmental work.

Environment Massachusetts

Environment Massachusetts

Environment Massachusetts, a statewide, citizen-based environmental advocacy organization, is the new home of MASSPIRG's environmental work. Our professional staff combines independent research, practical ideas and tough-minded advocacy to overcome the opposition of powerful special interests and win real results for Massachusetts' environment. Environment Massachusetts draws on 30 years of success in tackling our state's top environmental problems.

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