National Clean-Energy Mandate Gets Another Look in Congress

A federal mandate for states to obtain a set portion of electricity from renewable energy is a forgotten aspect of climate change policies, but some Democrats say it belongs back on the table.

These Democrats are uneasy with the lofty goals set out in the Green New Deal resolution backed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) that calls for a 10-year “mobilization” to meet 100 percent of U.S. power demands with “clean, renewable, and zero-emission sources.” They say a more modest target is achievable.

Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.), who along with a half-dozen other Democrats has backed ...