Following the debate on Capitol Hill on the federal renewable portfolio standard is a real reminder of the importance of voluntary renewable energy markets. Here we are, starting with a proposal that would have electric utility companies getting 25% of their electricity from renewable resources, like wind and solar, by 2020. By the time the bill is readying for a vote we are down to the possibility of 12% renewables by 2020.

Is there anyone out there who thinks that getting 12% of electricity from renewables more than 10 years from now is the kind of change that will transform our economy for the 21st century? Don’t get me wrong, it is better than zero, but this is what seems to happen to big new ideas in Washington DC. Once all the varying interests have their say we are rarely able to make big, influential policy shifts.

All of this is a reminder of the role of voluntary markets. There are invariably going to be those individuals and organizations who believe we need more than 12% by 2020 or 25% by 2020 for that matter. They can choose to purchase renewable energy or generate their own and help move the country further towards the clean energy future than our policy makers are willing to push us.