Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Energy Independence and Security Act.  This is a critical time for our nation, as our energy inefficiency and dependency on foreign oil increasingly threaten our planet, our economy and our very national security. We must move forward on this much needed legislation.

Overall, this bill focuses on several priorities that will change the way we use and save energy. It increases the efficiency of cars and trucks for the first time in a generation, to 35 miles per gallon by 2020. It also boosts the production of environmentally-protective home-grown biofuels and requires for the first time that 15 percent of our electricity come from clean, renewable sources, like wind and solar.

H.R. 6 also improves the efficiency of a wide range of products, appliances, lighting and buildings to reduce energy costs and it invests in clean renewable and alternative energy tax incentives to create jobs. 

Madam Speaker, this legislation brings much needed solutions to high gas prices, U.S. oil dependence, and the global warming crisis. Our economy and our planet cannot wait any longer. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this forward-thinking, comprehensive energy bill that will move our country in a new energy direction. Vote YES on H.R. 6!

Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.