AEP is involved in discussions about a federal renewable energy standard (RES). A national RES would require use of a certain minimum amount of renewable energy. We have opposed a federal standard because we believed that one size could not possibly fit all — the wind power resources in Texas, for example, would be far different than those in Kentucky.

However, the development of a nationwide transmission system that would allow the transport of renewable energy would help negate our concerns, as would tradable renewable energy credits. We propose that standards be phased in as transmission becomes available. We also will seek an expanded definition of renewable energy to include advanced energy projects such as carbon capture and storage. We will continue working with the Obama administration and Congress on a federal RES as well as transmission legislation.

AEP hosted a town hall meeting with CEO Mike Morris and investor T. Boone Pickens in Columbus, Ohio, in March 2009 to promote the Pickens Plan.