Clean Energy Bill Will Spur Green Jobs, Reduce Carbon Emissions

(Washington D.C.)- The House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act by a vote of 219 to 212 today.  By limiting the pollutants which cause global warming, the legislation greatly expands the market for clean energy, invests in advanced research, reduces our dependence on foreign oil, and spurs millions of new jobs.

“Action on climate change is a policy, and indeed, a moral imperative,” said Rep. Levin on the Floor of the House.  “Prompt action is a vital part of our legacy to the nation and to our children and grandchildren.”

“As we act, we can and must ensure that the U.S. energy-intensive industries are not placed at a competitive disadvantage by nations that have not made a similar commitment to reduce greenhouse gases.”

Rep. Levin authored trade provisions included in the bill to ensure that the United States is not placed at a competitive disadvantage if it takes responsible action to address global climate change and other nations do not.  This is the so-called “carbon and job leakage” issue: the risk that greenhouse gas emissions and jobs will simply move from the United States to countries that adopt less stringent or no restrictions to address climate change.

 “We have developed reasonable and effective provisions which involve the President and the Congress in taking action, no more than is necessary to ensure that this important legislation is trade neutral for our energy intensive industries,” said Rep. Levin.  “We want to see a meaningful international agreement.  If we are unable to do that through an international agreement, this legislation ensures that the United States will avoid carbon leakage in its energy intensive and trade sensitive industries.”

Key Provisions of the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES):

• Require electric utilities to meet 20% of their electricity demand through renewable energy sources and energy efficiency by 2010.

• Invest in a new clean energy  technologies and energy efficiency, including energy efficiency and renewable energy ($90 billion in new investments by 2025), carbon 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 basic industry.

• Reduce carbon emissions from U.S. sources by 17% by 2020 and over by 80% by 2025 compared to 2005 levels. Complementary measures in the legislation, such as investments in preventing tropical deforestation, will achieve significant additional reductions in carbon emissions.

Keeping Costs Low

• Transition off foreign oil and creating millions of jobs will have minimal impact on average households—just 22 to 30 cents a day—less than a postage stamp – or $80 to $111 per year [EPA]. The bill helps all consumers with price spike protection, and with additional monthly energy refunds so those in need will see no cost.

• Invest in energy efficiency technology will save the average American household more than $4,000 by 2030 [ACEEE].

• Ensure fiscal responsibility. CBO says the bill meets PAYGO requirements and will not increase the deficit. The bill takes a balanced approach that has received broad support from members of Congress from all regions of the country. The legislation is backed by a coalition that includes electric utilities, consumer groups, car companies, manufacturers, environmental organizations, labor organizations, among many others.

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