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Investor-owned utilities would have to produce at least 10 percent of their power from such renewable energy sources as solar, wind or wood and agricultural scraps under a provision included in a broad energy bill.
The utilities would have until 2020 to reach that level.
Voting 58-40, the Senate on Thursday rejected an attempt by Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) to strip the measure from the legislation. He said states should make their own decisions about the issue. That position is endorsed by the White House.
Already, 11 states dictate that some power must come from renewable sources; 10 others either have set goals or are considering a mandate for renewable use.
Today, less than 2 percent of electricity comes from renewable sources.
