Washington, D.C. – Representative Heath Shuler today celebrated Earth Day by
renewing his call for America’s energy independence through clean, renewable, and
sustainable energy sources.
“We have begun taking strides to create an energy policy for the 21st Century that reduces
carbon dioxide emissions and increases CAFE standards for the first time in a
generation,” Rep. Shuler said. “Now, we must continue working to end our dependence
on petroleum and replace it with renewable and sustainable energies.”
Earlier this year the 110th Congress passed and had signed into law the Energy
Independence and Security Act. The Energy Independence and Security Act will cut oil
consumption by 2.9 million gammons per year, more than the U.S. imports daily from the
Persian Gulf. This legislation also greatly expands America’s biofuels production from
non-food sources, like switchgrass.
The Energy Independence and Security Act also included Rep. Shuler’s Small Energy
Efficient Business Act, which will assist small businesses become more energy efficient.
“After years of neglect by the Bush Administration, we are finally beginning to make a
positive impact through our nation’s energy policy. We must continue investing in the
research, development, and infrastructure necessary to truly make our nation energy
independent. With a committed effort, I know we will be successful,” Rep. Shuler
concluded.
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