Saudi Arabia to U.S.: YES to Oil Addiction, NO to Renewable Energy

Markey to Saudi Arabia: We Won’t Slow Down on Renewable Energy

WASHINGTON (March 16, 2009) – The Saudi Arabian Oil Minister today cautioned against the world moving too fast in developing clean, renewable energy, even as the country plans to move forward on solar energy. Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), who chairs key energy panels in the House, decried the sentiment by the Saudi government, saying it was the clearest argument yet for pushing even harder and faster to increase renewable energy in the United States and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

“We can’t allow oil cartels to scare America and the world away from developing renewable energy,” said Rep. Markey. “America is on the path to break our addiction to foreign oil, and the Saudi oil dealers are just trying to keep customers.”

Rep. Markey is the author of a renewable energy bill that would increase the amount of energy produced by wind, solar and other sources in America to 25 percent by the year 2025. The American Renewable Energy Act would save families and business money on electricity bills while dramatically reducing our nation’s global warming pollution. Twenty-eight states and the District of Columbia have passed renewable electricity requirements.

Adopting a Renewable Electricity Standard of 25 percent is estimated to create more than 185,000 green jobs by 2025. Additionally, adopting a renewable electricity standard is projected to save consumers money by reducing their energy costs. A recent study showed that adopting a national standard of 25 percent is projected to save consumers $94 billion by 2030 in lower natural gas and electricity costs.

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