This information from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) Wind Energy Weekly 1394 (16 July 2010).

AWEA expressed support for legislation unveiled this week by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) that includes a renewable electricity standard (RES) requiring 25% of the nation’s electricity to be generated from renewable resources by 2025.

The “Securing America’s Future with Energy and Sustainable Technologies Act,” dubbed SAFEST, also would establish an energy efficiency resource standard of 1% per year, a long-term extension of ethanol and biodiesel tax credits, incentives for biofuel infrastructure and deployment, and targets for the availability of advanced vehicle technologies.

“The strength of our nation is tied to the strength of our energy economy,” Klobuchar said. “Not only are we still dependent on foreign oil, other countries are making great strides in developing clean energy technologies. With the ingenuity of American farmers and manufacturers, we have the ability to be the global leader in energy. This bill will provide incentives that can boost our economy and help us secure our energy future.”

The legislation comes as pressure builds for the Senate to act on clean energy legislation before it leaves for August recess.

Johnson added, “This bill will boost the economy by replacing imported oil with homegrown biofuels and renewable energy. Jobs will be created across the entire economy to produce parts and components for wind farms and by manufacturing vehicles that can run on higher blends of renewable fuels. It’s a win for energy security and economic security.”

AWEA, which has urged Congress to pass a strong RES so that the nation can reap the economic benefits of wind energy—benefits that studies have shown include thousands of jobs created—was clear in its support for the bill. “The provisions of this bill are essential to getting America on the road to a clean energy future and to creating American jobs,” AWEA CEO Denise Bode said in a statement. “AWEA supports the proposed legislation, which may be combined with other legislation expected to be introduced by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

“We applaud Senator Klobuchar for her leadership and diligence in proposing this bill: it would establish a renewable electricity standard (RES) of 25% by 2025 which sends a strong global signal that the U.S. is committed to new domestic manufacturing. The legislation also extends eligibility for the Recovery Act’s 1603 program, which has been very successful.

“As Senator Klobuchar knows, now is the time to act on energy policy. We call on her colleagues in the Senate to seize this moment to set America on the right course toward energy independence, increased national security, reducing carbon, and the creation of thousands of clean energy jobs.”