|
With Historic Energy Legislation, House Delivers on Promises to American People Sierra Club Applauds Strong Leadership, Resounding Victory for Clean Energy
Washington, D.C.—Today, by a margin of 235 to 181, the House of Representatives passed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007—a truly comprehensive, pro-environment, pro-economy energy bill. By 2020, it would save consumers $22 billion at pump, up to $18 billion on their energy bills, create nearly a million new manufacturing jobs, cut our oil addiction by 1.1 million barrels every day, and make real progress in cutting our global warming emissions. The bill will raise fuel economy standards to 35 miles per gallon in 2020; require that we get 15 percent of our electricity from clean, renewable sources like wind, solar, and biomass; mandate a massive increase in homegrown biofuels, including advanced cellulosic ethanol; and provide over $20 billion for clean energy, green cars, energy efficiency and other staples of the new energy economy—all without any new deficit spending.
Statement of Carl Pope, Sierra Club Executive Director
“In January, Speaker Pelosi promised to deliver energy legislation that would put us on the road toward a new, clean energy future. The energy bill that the House passed today not only puts us on that road, but pushes the accelerator to the floor. It is a dramatic pivot away from the failed energy policies of the past and sets the stage for the Senate to flip the switch on America’s new energy future.
“It is a bill of firsts: the first increase in fuel economy standards in more than three decades, the first national requirement for renewable energy, the first environmentally sensitive mandate for homegrown biofuels, and the first energy bill to provide billions for clean energy instead of shoveling subsidies to Big Oil and other polluters. Instead of a pork-laden monstrosity tailored to the needs of the dirty energy industry, this bill will give us clean electricity, greener cars, provide billions for clean energy instead of Big Oil’s bottom line, strengthen our economy, make us more secure, and begin to address the challenge of global warming. It is a tremendous achievement for the Congress, but more importantly, it is a victory for the hardworking American families who are now suffering as a result of decades of failed energy policies.
“Speaker Pelosi and the leadership in Congress deserve special praise for this achievement. Without looking back, they took on the some of the richest, most powerful industries and most entrenched special interests in America. Through skillful leadership, tenacity, and sheer force of political will, they were able forge landmark legislation that is supported by a broad coalition of environmentalists, faith leaders, labor unions, and businesses.
“It’s now up to the Senate to flip the switch on America’s new energy future by passing this vital legislation. This legislation already enjoys strong, bipartisan support and we will redouble our efforts to make sure that it does not fall prey to the machinations of a small group of senators determined to derail this historic compromise. Senators must choose whether they will side with American consumers suffering under skyrocketing energy costs, our farmers in the heartland who want to help us solve global warming and cut our addiction to oil, the tens of thousands of workers in the new energy economy, those wishing to make us more energy independent and secure, or a few rich and powerful special interests who wish to block progress.”
# # #
|
