Senate Duo Pushes For Clean Energy Standard

By Rachel Whitt

Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) said at a Tuesday press conference hosted by The New Republic, a Washington, D.C. based magazine, that the recovery of the United States’ economy is directly linked to future environmental policies. 

Bingaman, Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said increasing transportation expenses is driving the need for clean energy initiatives. 

“Increase in the price of gas at the pump always pushes energy to forefront of discussions here in Washington,”Bingaman said. “Of course it is directly tied to the increase in the price of oil on world markets.”

Kerry, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relation Committee, said the United States is a fallen leader of clean energy innovation, now trailing behind China and Germany. According to Kerry, the only way to boost the United States back to the forefront of energy innovation is by pursuing a comprehensive energy policy. 

“I got news for you, the Chinese are not only doing something, they’re cleaning our clocks,” Kerry said. “They are leading the world now in manufacturing of new technology and of clean energy and so forth.”

Kerry agreed with Bingaman in saying that clean energy initiatives could provide the country with the economic boost it needs to continue on its path to recovery. On a new clean energy standard, the Massachusetts Senator said “we need to pass it [and] we need to do it this year.”