July 18, 2005
Environmental Advocates of New York
Union of Concerned Scientists

National Renewable Electricity Standard Can Save New York Consumers $1.5 Billion New Analysis Finds
National Standard Will Provide Economic Boost for Rural Communities

NEW YORK, July 18 — A national renewable electricity standard of 10 percent by 2020 would save consumers billions of dollars on their energy bills and provide economic benefits to rural communities, according to a new study released today by the Union of Concerned Scientists. A national standard would require 10 percent of our nation's electricity to come from clean renewable sources such as wind, energy crops, and solar energy.

“New York is leading the way in clean energy sources with its renewable portfolio standard, and we will see even more jobs and greater savings when the nation follows suit,” said Christine Vanderlan, Global Warming Program Director for Environmental Advocates of New York. “By supporting a national renewable electricity standard, our Congressional delegation can provide the state with safe and reliable domestic energy sources while ensuring cleaner air and water for everyone.”

The 10 percent by 2020 national standard would reduce long run energy costs to consumers. Increased competition from renewable energy leads to slightly lower natural gas and electricity prices. By 2020, total consumer savings in New York from lower energy prices would be $1.54 billion. All sectors of New York’s economy would benefit from the national standard, with commercial, industrial, and residential customers total savings reaching $830 million, $380 million, and $330 million respectively by 2020.

By 2020, a 10 percent national renewable electricity standard would provide New York State with:

• $1.7 billion in new capital investment
• $107 million in new property tax revenues for local communities
• $29 million in lease payments to farmers and rural landowners from wind power

“New York can use renewable energy sources such as wind and biomass, to produce jobs, save consumers money on their energy bills and enhance public health,” said Jeff Deyette, Energy Analyst with the Union of Concerned Scientists. “New York can harness its tremendous renewable energy potential to benefit the entire state.”

Increasing renewable energy use will reduce the amount of air pollution from power plants that threaten people’s health by burning coal, oil, and natural gas. By 2025, a national standard will prevent the release of up to 166 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, which traps heat in the atmosphere causing global warming—the equivalent of taking 24.7 million cars off the road.

The same policy would reduce other pollutants from burning fossil fuels such as nitrogen oxides that produce smog and mercury that harms human health. The renewable standard will also reduce harmful water and land impacts from extracting, transporting, and using fossil fuels and conserve resources for future generations.

For more information, visit: www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy.