Delahunt Hails Passage Of Landmark Energy Billl

12/06/2007

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Delahunt applauded the passage of a comprehensive energy bill to promote domestically produced renewable and alternative sources of energy.

The “Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007” passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 235 to 181.

“This legislation passed by the House is a landmark initiative that strengthens our national security, reduces our addiction to foreign oil and confronts the urgent crisis of global climate change,” Delahunt said.  “I am very proud of the provisions in this legislation that boost fuel economy and promote investment in innovative clean energy technologies such as biofuels and marine renewable energy.”

Specifically this legislation would:

Set Historic Fuel Economy Standards for Cars and Trucks: It includes provisions to increase fuel economy standards to 35 miles per gallon by 2020 for new cars and trucks. These provisions will save American families $700 to $1000 per year at the pump, with $22 billion in net consumer savings in 2020 alone.  It will also reduce oil consumption by 1.1 million gallons per day in 2020 (one-half of what we currently import from the Persian Gulf), and reduce greenhouse gases equal to taking 28 million of today's average cars and trucks off the road. 

Increase Renewable Fuels Standard/ Expanded Supply of Domestic Biofuels:  The initiative includes a historic commitment to American biofuels that will fuel our cars and trucks – with a robust increase in the Renewable Fuels Standard. The measure ensures that biodiesel and cellulosic sources, such as switchgrass, are a key part of the increase.  It includes critical environmental safeguards to ensure that the growth of domestic fuels helps to reduce carbon emissions and does not degrade water or air quality or harm our lands and public health. The plan includes incentives to boost the production of biofuels and the number of Flex Fuel and other alternative fuel vehicles.

Promote Marine Renewable Energy Technology and Research and Development Centers: This legislation would provide award grants to establish National Marine Renewable Energy Research, Development, and Demonstration Centers.  The initiative also authorizes the Secretary of Energy $50,000,000 for Marine Renewable Energy Research and Technology.  Delahunt has met with DOE officials about a center for Massachusetts

Provide Incentives for Hybrids:  It establishes a plug-in hybrid/electric vehicle tax credit for individuals and encourages the domestic development and production of advanced technology vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles. 

Repeal Big Oil and Gas Giveaways to Invest in Renewable Energy: The measure includes tax provisions totaling approximately $21 billion – which includes the repeal of about $13 billion in tax subsidies for Big Oil from the House energy bill. The bill closes a loophole written into the international tax bill (H.R. 4520) and rolls back the 2005 Energy Bill tax break for geological and geophysical expenditures

Provide Electricity from Clean Renewable Sources:  This provision, which was contained in the House-passed bill, requires utility companies to generate 15 percent of electricity from renewable sources -- such as wind power, biomass, wave, tidal, geothermal and solar -- by 2020. 

Create A Skilled Green Workforce:  This package creates an Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Worker Training Program to train a quality workforce for “green” collar jobs -- such as solar panel manufacturer and green building construction worker -- created by federal renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives. Major investments in renewable energy could create 3 million green jobs over 10 years.

Help Small Businesses Lead in Renewable Energy:  The bill increases loan limits to help small businesses develop energy efficient technologies and purchases; provides information to small businesses to reduce energy costs; and increases investment in small firms developing renewable energy solutions, recognizing the leadership of entrepreneurs in the alternative energy sector.

This legislation is now expected to be sent to the Senate for consideration.

To read Delahunt’s statement, please click here.

 

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