At TEA, we have been saying it for some time—Affordable, Reliable and Clean energy is the key to our American energy independence. Recently, the American Legislative Exchange Council’s (ALEC) Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force agreed when they passed draft model legislation called the Affordable, Reliable and Clean Energy Security Act (Energy Security ARC).

The Affordable, Reliable and Clean Energy Security Act has four important goals.

• Energy Security: Energy sources that are primarily produced within the U.S. and infrastructure that will reduce our reliance on foreign nations for critical materials and manufacturing.
• Affordability: Energy sources with stable pricing that can cost-effectively provide heating, cooling and electricity generation around the clock.
• Reliability: Energy sources that are available 24/7 with little or no interruptions. Sources used to produce electricity must have the “capability to ramp up or down … within one hour” in order to stabilize the electrical grid.
• Clean: Redefine “green” energy as an energy source that reduces air pollutants, “thereby reducing cumulative air emissions,” including energy produced from natural gas or nuclear power.

This model legislation will be shared with policymakers across the country to serve as a guide for laws taken up in state legislature.

So often we look to Washington for our energy policies. But, just as with our American independence, true energy independence must start with our states seeking affordable energy for the families and businesses there.

The Energy Security ARC is fundamental to our American dream and this model legislation provides a blueprint that can deliver that dream to all Americans.