Reported by Ann Rascalli

Comparing Colorado’s Northern Front Range to Silicon Valley in the 1980s, Rep. Betsy Markey, D-Fort Collins, has introduced a bill that would provide a tax credit to utilities for integrating more wind and solar power into their energy portfolios.

“The future of renewable energy is vital to the future of our national security,” Markey said. “But there are substantial costs for integrating renewable energy — which is only available when the sun shines and when the wind blows — into the grid. This bill will relieve the burden faced by utilities bringing intermittent renewable energy like wind and solar online, and help bring down the cost of clean energy production.”

Markey and co-sponsor Rep. Erik Paulsen, R-Minn introduced the Renewable Electricity Integration Tax Credit Act late last week. The Congresswoman from Colorado said the bill will spur new job creation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and help diversify America’s energy portfolio.

“Our corner of Colorado is today what Silicon Valley was in the 1980s,” she said. “We are on the cusp of a revolution in American energy production that will break our dependence on foreign oil and take control of the way we power America. People will look to Colorado as a leader because we’ve been doing it longer and better than anyone else. It’s time for America to take back control of our energy, our security, and our jobs.

According to Markey’s office, several diverse groups have endorsed the renewable electricity integration tax credit including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Natural Resources Defense Council, National Association of Manufacturers, the Center for American Progress, Energy Future Coalition, Third Way, and the Building and Construction Trades Department of the AFL-CIO.

It remains to be seen whether Markey’s proposed bill will have any affect on the costs consumers face for heating and powering their homes and businesses.