Bill Invests in Alternative Energy and Energy Efficiency While Responsibly Expanding Drilling

Today, Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-03) helped pass H.R. 6899, the Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act.  This sweeping energy plan will promote American energy independence and a clean, green economy by expanding domestic and renewable sources of energy, investing in energy efficiency and conservation, ending subsidies to big oil companies, and promoting good jobs in America.

"Today's legislation is a victory for the pocketbooks of middle-class Americans, the security of our country, and the health of the environment," stated Lipinski.  "This broad energy plan will help advance the goals of cutting America's foreign oil dependence and reducing global warming through the development of new clean energy sources, a reduction in energy consumption, and an expansion of domestic energy production to replace foreign oil."

The comprehensive legislation commits America to a renewable energy future by providing $18 billion in tax incentives for the increased production of renewable and alternative energies, such as solar, wind, fuel cells, plug-in hybrid vehicles, biomass, geothermal, and hydropower.  The bill also provides an additional $1.7 billion in grants to transit agencies, while promoting efficiency and conservation that will save consumers billions through more energy efficient homes, buildings, and appliances.  The bill also requires 15 percent of American electricity to come from renewable sources by 2020, saving consumers $13-18 billion over that time.

The legislation also includes a compromise to responsibly open up the Outer Continental Shelf for drilling, with environmental protections, while demanding that oil companies use the leases they have already been issued.  Without any action, the moratorium on offshore drilling will expire on October 1, opening up drilling to within 3 miles of all of America's coasts.

"Americans are ready to chart a new, diverse energy future where we use domestically-produced, clean, renewable fuels in the most efficient manner possible," stated Lipinski.  "I will continue fighting for a greener, more affordable, and less oil-dependent future that will expand our economy and ensure our security.  But while we work our way to the new energy economy, we will increase the production of American oil and gas to increase our energy security while caring for our environment."

(September 16, 2008)

###