Bingaman, Brownback to Introduce RES Bill Tomorrow

It looks like the renewable energy standard is going to get a high-profile, bipartisan boost. Sens. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) and Sam Brownback (R-Kans.) are slated tomorrow to throw their support behind the proposal. Also, signing on to the proposal: Sens. Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tom Udall (D-NM).

The announcement comes as the renewable energy industry has ramped up lobbying efforts to pass an RES this year and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has left the door open to considering such a proposal. But it remains unclear when, exactly, the Senate might take up the bill and whether it will be coupled with other provisions or go forward as a standalone measure.

In a statement, Bingaman said he believes the Senate has the votes to pass the measure, which would require that a certain percentage of the country’s electricity come from renewable sources like wind and solar. Bingaman said:

I think that the votes are present in the Senate to pass a renewable electricity standard.  I think that they are present in the House.  I think that we need to get on with figuring out what we can pass and move forward.

Brownback, who hails from the wind-rich state of Kansas, called for a “sensible and modest” RES proposal.