Energy bill

"Mr. Speaker, this bill has been a long time coming. As a freshman Member of this body, I am proud to rise in support of the rule and this energy legislation that will make significant strides in our effort to address global warming, save our families money on their energy bills and at the pump, and bolster our national security by mapping out a more energy-independent future for our country.

This energy bill includes a long-overdue increase in CAFE standards and improves vehicle efficiency standards to 35 miles per gallon by 2020, the first increase of this kind since 1975. This significant increase in vehicle emission standards will save American families between $700 and $1,000 per year at the pump, and reduce oil consumption by 1.1 million gallons per day by 2020, which is one-half of what we currently import from the Persian Gulf. And these new standards will reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking 28 million of today's average cars and trucks off the road.

Science tells us that CAFE increases are possible and necessary, and we must implement them now. And while implementing necessary environmental protections, this legislation will preserve tens of thousands of American manufacturing jobs in places like Avon Lake, Ohio, where my constituents produce passenger vans.

This bill will provide our domestic auto manufacturers with the tools and incentives they need to produce the vehicles of tomorrow here in the United States, keeping jobs at home, and allowing us to all move forward together. Keeping high-paying auto manufacturing jobs in this country will in turn help retain hundreds of thousands of related jobs in the electronics, steel, textiles, glass, plastics and rubber, and countless other sectors that produce auto parts, while also laying the groundwork for jobs in the future.

And the renewable portfolio standard added to the energy package by the House in August will ensure that electric utilities provide 15 percent of their power from wind, solar and other renewable sources by 2020. This important provision will significantly reduce CO2 emissions to curb global warming and reduce the impact on the environment. It will spur the development of technology here at home by highly-paid American workers.

The American people have spoken loud and clear that we cannot turn a blind eye to the crisis of global warming and astonishing gas prices squeezing the budgets for our working families. This is an energy bill that advances many of the goals most important to our nation - energy independence, economic success, job security, lower energy costs and a cleaner environment. It is also ensures fiscal responsibility by repealing $13 billion in tax breaks that were needlessly given to oil companies at a time of record profits. It is good for national security, American businesses and workers, and for our environment. I am proud to speak out on behalf of the millions of Americans who have demanded a new course towards energy independence.

I urge support for the bill."