Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today said he is very pleased that President-elect Barack Obama plans to turn around the ailing U.S. economy by increasing the nation’s use of renewable energy and implementing greater energy efficiency in homes and federal buildings.

In a speech today, Obama said the economic plan he and Congress are crafting will save or create 3 million jobs. In addition to investing in education, health care and infrastructure, the proposal will aim to double the production of alternative energy while making 2 million homes and 75 percent of federal buildings more energy efficient.

“I agree with President-elect Obama that shifting to a green energy economy is the key to creating good jobs,” said Bingaman, who chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “New Mexico is already a leader in renewable energy, and I think we will play an even greater role once Congress adopts the stimulus package that Mr. Obama outlined today.”