(Washington, DC)  Twelve days after Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) took the House Floor to speak in favor of the Energy Independence and Security Act, Congress is sending the legislation to the President and he is expected to sign it into law.

“With this legislation, the most profound step forward this country has taken on energy policy in thirty years, America has asserted its declaration of energy independence.  When it’s fully implemented, a gallon of gasoline will take us 30 percent farther, our need for foreign oil will plummet by a colossal four million barrels a day, energy bills will drop as appliances grow more efficient, and thanks to an unprecedented investment in clean, renewable, homegrown fuel, the prospect for real, safe energy independence is closer than it has ever been,” Congressman Yarmuth said. 

The Energy Independence and Security Act will increase vehicle fuel efficiency to 35 miles per gallon by 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 by 2022, increasing the efficiency of buildings, homes, appliances, and lighting. All totaled the landmark legislation will cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 24 percent of what the U.S. needs to do to help save the planet.

The measure will also save money for American consumers and strengthen the economy. Increased vehicle fuel efficiency will save American families $700 to $1,000 a year at the pump and the new building, appliance, and lighting efficiency will save consumers $400 billion through 2030. Additionally, the development of biofuels and support for cutting-edge energy research will create hundreds of thousands of new jobs.

“The cost of energy is crippling the financial security of so many hard-working people in Louisville and elsewhere.  The energy bill we passed today will provide some much needed relief,” Yarmuth added.