REPUBLICANS FOR NEW ENERGY

House Republicans Press for Faster Action on Renewable Energy
Jim Snyder, June 1, 2011 (Bloomberg News)

"U.S. House Republicans, who have sought to expedite offshore oil- and gas-drilling permits, pressed the Obama administration to [eliminate bureaucratic delays, unnecessary lawsuits and burdensome environmental regulations and] act faster on renewable energy projects.

"Federal hurdles are slowing growth of solar and wind companies, industry executives said…at a House Natural Resources Committee hearing in Washington. The witnesses also advocated tax incentives and production mandates criticized by Republicans, who control the House…"

Here are some ideas. (click to enlarge)

"…[The committee, chaired by Doc Hastings (R-WA)] has already passed legislation designed to expand oil and gas production offshore, including an accelerated approval process for drilling permits. The bills passed the House before being blocked in the Senate, where Democrats hold a majority.

"Susan Reilly, chief executive officer of Renewable Energy Systems Americas Inc….said [said clean-energy mandates and a predictable tax policy would promote investment but] Interior Department protection from wind turbines for golden eagles[add to project financing difficulties]…The Obama administration proposed guidelines in February to help wind-energy developers identify sites that pose the least risks to birds and wildlife…Collisions with wind turbines are a [a threat to] golden eagles in regions of the U.S. West…"

The facts on birds. (click to enlarge)

"…Hastings asked witnesses if the Interior Department had an efficient and effective process for reviewing permits for developing public lands…While most responded no, executives also praised the Obama administration for improving the procedures and focusing more attention on renewable energy.

"They commended policies like a Treasury Department grant program for renewable developers set to expire later this year and an Obama plan to generate 80 percent of U.S. electricity from low-polluting sources by 2035…The Interior Department is ‘picking up the pace’ on offshore wind, said Jim Lanard, president of the Offshore Wind Development Coalition…"