This spring, as the temperatures begin to rise in Washington, DC, the debate over energy policy is heating up — with the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives’ energy committees both considering a national Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) this week. The RES, which enables renewable energy sources to provide a growing amount of the nation’s electricity, would, for the first time, provide a long-term commitment to renewable energy in the U.S.

A national RES is not only favored by 75% of Americans as shown in this recent poll (pdf) — it also promises to create hundreds of thousands of American jobs and foster a healthier and more secure environmental future. Take a look, and share with your friends, this video testimonial that shows the meaning of wind industry jobs to Americans who have been laid off in a down economy and are excited about new careers.

Unfortunately, as the RES provision moves through Congress, the strength of the standard is being watered down. At this critical moment in the reshaping of our nation’s energy policy, we need your help. Please take a stand now – e-mail your Senators and Representatives and ask them to support a strong RES policy.

To create a long-term commitment to renewable energy, the U.S. needs to adopt a national RES that calls for 25% of our electricity to come from renewable resources, such as wind and solar power, by the year 2025. This policy would foster a sound investment climate for renewable energy manufacturers to invest billions of dollars in new facilities and employ hundreds of thousands of Americans in high-quality jobs.

The Senate and House of Representatives are currently considering energy legislation that includes a national RES. Draft bills are currently calling for only half of the 25% by 2025 level – not strong enough to demonstrate a true national commitment to renewables. NOW is the time to let your Members of Congress know that you support a meaningful RES.

Please take a moment to contact your Senators and Representative and express your support for a national 25% renewable electricity by 2025 policy. Click here to contact your Senators and Representative to express your support for a national RES.