(Washington, DC) Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (D-Norwalk) voted to approve HR 6899, the Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act, a measure that will play a role to lower energy costs to families and taxpayers, invest in renewable energy sources to create good paying jobs in Southern California, as well as across the country and makes important investments in conservation and energy efficiency.

 

The legislation passed 236-189 on September 16^th, 2008.

 

“This compromise legislation begins to make our country less dependent on foreign oil, making it an important, first step towards energy independence,” said Rep. Grace F. Napolitano. “HR 6899 lets our state choose whether or not to allow coastal drilling after 50 to100 miles out from our beaches, giving California the right to allow coastal drilling.”

 

The Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act also rolls back tax breaks for the big oil companies; using these taxes to invest in wind and solar energy, thereby reducing our dependence on foreign oil and would create millions of “green” jobs at home. It also calls for releasing oil from the government’s stockpile to bring down gas prices in the short term.

 

“Our choice is clear,” Rep. Napolitano added, “side with American families or with the big oil companies. I voted to help our working families, not the oil companies.”