WASHINGTON, D.C. – With gas and oil prices skyrocketing, Energy and Commerce Committee Vice Chair Diana DeGette (D-CO) today hailed the passage of the Energy Independence and Security Act [vote of 314-100], landmark energy legislation that will make America more energy independent, cut energy costs for families, reduce global warming, and grow our economy. President Bush is expected to sign the legislation into law.

“Congress has finally started to address the mounting energy challenges facing our country – reducing global warming, increasing the use of alternative fuels and renewable energy, to cutting energy prices for the American consumer,” said DeGette. “This energy legislation is a win for the American people – for the first time in over 30 years, consumers will see an increase in the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFÉ) standards which will put more fuel efficient cars on the road, reducing our dependence on foreign oil and saving consumers thousands of dollars every year.”

The Energy Independence and Security Act will increase vehicle fuel efficiency to 35 miles per gallon in 2020—the first congressional increase in 32 years – and slash U.S. oil consumption by more than 4 million barrels per day by 2030. The legislation also expands the use of American-grown biofuels to 36 billion gallons in 2022 increases the efficiency of buildings, homes, appliances, and lighting. All totaled it cuts greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 by up to 24 percent of what the U.S. needs to do to help save the planet.

“While I am disappointed that a national Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) was not included in the final bill, I am confident that we will move toward a national renewable energy program during the 110th Congress. This historic energy legislation is not only the most forward-thinking in decades, but puts us on a path towards energy independence.”

DeGette led efforts in the House to pass a Renewable Electricity Standard in the original House bill approved in August.