Congressman John Delaney and Senator Ben Cardin have authored an op-ed on setting a new clean energy goal for the United States, #50×30:
Clean Energy Rising
The Hill, 3/7/16Significant increases in clean energy investment are occurring, and this is an incredibly positive trend for addressing climate change and growing the U.S. economy. Last year was a record year for clean energy development worldwide, with $329 billion of global investment in clean energy technology projects, and projections are pointing to even greater investments in 2016.
Maryland’s solar energy industry is a perfect example of the job growth potential in clean energy. According to industry sources, in September 2015, Maryland had 177 solar energy companies that employed about 3,000 people. Six months later, Maryland is home to 182 solar energy companies employing more than 4,300 people.
It is now time for Congress to act to better align U.S. energy policy with the actual direction of the private sector. A good place to start is for Congress to acknowledge the urgent demand for clean energy in the U.S. and encourage the goal of generating more than 50 percent of our electricity from clean and carbon-free sources by 2030.
We have introduced “50×30” resolutions in the House and Senate to set this goal. Based on current technologies and energy trajectory, this goal is completely reasonable and should be central to our domestic policy agenda. Importantly, setting a clearly defined goal will encourage greater private sector investment, lead to more innovation and secure U.S. leadership in advanced energy technology, flattening the climate change curve. The benefits will be enormous for public health, national security and our economy.