The Energy and Commerce Committee released a summary of the American Clean Energy and Security Act as reported by the Committee on May 21, 2009, by a vote of 33 to 25.  The legislation will create millions of new clean energy jobs, enhance America's energy independence, and protect the environment.

Key provisions in the bill:

• Require electric utilities to meet 20% of their electricity demand through renewable energy sources and energy efficiency by 2020.
• Invest in new clean energy technologies and energy efficiency, including energy efficiency and renewable energy ($90 billion in new investments by 2025), carbon capture and sequestration ($60 billion), electric and other advanced technology vehicles ($20 billion), and basic scientific research and development ($20 billion).
• Mandate new energy-saving standards for buildings, appliances, and industry.
• Reduce carbon emissions from major U.S. sources by 17% by 2020 and over 80% by 2050 compared to 2005 levels. Complementary measures in the legislation, such as investments in preventing tropical deforestation, will achieve significant additional reductions in carbon emissions.
• Protect consumers from energy price increases. According to estimates from the Environmental Protection Agency, the reductions in carbon pollution required by the legislation will cost American families less than a postage stamp per day.

Because of its balanced approach, the American Clean Energy and Security Act has received broad support from industry and environmentalists.  During Committee consideration, the legislation was backed by a coalition that included electric utilities, oil companies, car companies, chemical companies, major manufacturers, environmental organizations, and labor, among many others.

Documents

• Summary of H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act