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Energy As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I have been working to ensure Congress puts in place a comprehensive, responsible energy policy for our country. For far too long we’ve neglected investments in common sense energy policy, such as improving efficiency, increasing conservation and expanding use of renewable energy sources. That’s why I was proud to support the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. This historic bill, which the President signed, will set our nation on a path toward energy independence, strengthen national security, grow our economy, create jobs, lower energy prices, and begin to address global warming. Among other things, the Energy Independence and Security Act takes groundbreaking steps to increase the efficiency of our vehicles. It does this by raising fuel economy standards to 35 miles per gallon by 2020 for new cars and trucks. This is the first such increase since 1975. This provision alone will save American families up to $1,000 per year at the pump, reduce oil consumption by one million gallons per day – equal to one-half of what we currently import from the Persian Gulf – and prevent over 190 million tons of global warming emissions. In addition, the bill includes valuable energy efficiency measures for buildings, lighting and appliances to cut oil dependence and save consumers money. These provisions will save consumers and businesses at least $300 billion through 2030. The Energy Independence and Security Act also boosts the production of American-grown biofuels, like cellulosic ethanol, and provides incentives to increase the number of Flex Fuel and other alternative vehicles, such as plug-in hybrids. The legislation also creates a grant program to help local governments develop and implement energy efficiency strategies. Local programs here on the Central Coast are already having a positive impact in addressing our energy challenges, and these will help support and expand those local efforts. Finally, the legislation establishes national and state job training programs to help train American workers for jobs in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries – industries that are key to U.S. and world efforts to combat global warming. This provision will prepare workers for 3 million new “green jobs” over 10 years in industries such as wind, solar, and green building. As Congress continues to work on legislation to achieve energy independence and reduce global warming, rest assured that I will continue to support energy policies that reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, combat global warming, and save consumers money on energy bills. This includes adopting a national Renewable Electricity Standard, permanent tax credits for wind, solar and other clean technologies, and preserving existing state authority to regulate global warming pollution. These are all win-win solutions that will protect pristine places like our oceans and forests from more oil drilling. Please click here to read my press release on the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Please click here to see my floor speech about this issue. |
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