Stronger Auto Mileage Standards and 15% Renewable Portfolio Standard
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Heather Wilson today offered comprehensive renewable energy and energy efficiency legislation in the House Energy and Commerce Committee, on which she serves. The proposal would strengthen automobile mileage standards and create a 15 percent Renewable Portfolio Standard.
Wilson’s comprehensive proposal to promote renewable fuels and encourage conservation was rejected by majority Democrats, who ruled her energy amendment as “non-germane” to the energy legislation under consideration. Wilson said she will introduce it as separate legislation in the House.
“The set of proposals being reported by the Energy and Commerce Committee is very weak. We should be thinking bigger and bolder. We are missing an opportunity, and I support a more comprehensive approach like that in this bill,” Wilson said.
Wilson’s proposal included a renewable portfolio standard similar to that proposed by Senator Jeff Bingaman, chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. It would require that 15 percent of electricity be generated from renewable resources, without affecting Co-ops.
The bill is identical to the legislation passed by the Senate by a vote of 65-27 with the addition of a renewable portfolio standard, and includes:
· Increases in CAFE standards for cars and light trucks to 35 miles per gallon by 2020.
· New renewable fuel mandates with an emphasis on ethanol, increasing substitutes for gasoline from 8.5 billion barrels in 2008 to 36 billion in 2022.
· New renewable fuels portfolio standards for electricity generation of 15 percent by 2020 except for cooperatives.
· Up to $120 million in investment in research and development on carbon sequestration.
· Promotion of energy efficiency, starting with the federal government.
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