Press Release

For Immediate Release
June 26, 2009

Crowley Applauds House Passage of Landmark Energy Reform Legislation

American Clean Energy and Security Act will create green jobs, reduce pollution and restore American global competitiveness

(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx) applauded today’s passage of the landmark American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) and released the following statement in strong support of the legislation to spur American green jobs, reduce pollution, strengthen our national security, and restore American global competitiveness:

Today, the House of Representatives has responded to President Obama’s call to action and passed groundbreaking legislation that will reduce the pollution that causes global warming, modernize our nation’s energy sector, revitalize our stagnant economy by creating millions of new green collar jobs, and increase our national security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil.

This bill is the right step forward for our nation. The American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) will create millions of new green jobs in America – new jobs that cannot be outsourced, pay good wages, and make the United States the global leader in clean energy technology. Moving to a clean energy economy and transitioning away from foreign oil will create whole new industries and as many as 3 to 5 million clean energy jobs. The energy efficiency provisions alone in this measure are expected to generate 650,000 jobs per year by 2030.

In addition to fighting global warming by bringing down carbon emissions from major U.S. sources, such as electric utilities and oil refineries, this bill moves us toward energy independence. This legislation cuts the use of oil and petroleum products by two million barrels a day by 2030, an amount equal to the amount of oil we currently import from the Persian Gulf.  Slashing our dependence on oil produced by foreign countries is a must. As a nation, we cannot continue to rely on other countries to meet our energy needs -- it is a matter of national security.

By making additional key investments in clean energy technologies and energy efficiency, we will increase our reliance on renewable energy.  By improving energy efficiency, families and businesses will save money on their electricity and energy bills. This comprehensive energy plan also protects consumers with price spike protection, energy tax credits, and cost-saving technology.

This landmark legislation will not only shore up our economy, boost our national security and make America more globally competitive, it will ensure that we act as responsible stewards and leave a better world for our children and our grandchildren.

Passage of this bill in the House of Representatives is only the first step in addressing our nation's energy needs for the 21st century. As this bill moves forward, I will continue my work within Congress and with President Obama to ensure that we develop a national energy policy that truly strengthens both our economy and our environment.

The American Clean Energy and Security Act passed the House by a vote of 219 to 212 and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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