Historic Energy Accomplishments
111th Congress
American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 -- Historic legislation to create millions of American jobs; help reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil by 5 million barrels per day; reduce the carbon pollution causing climate change; keep energy costs low for Americans, with lower income families seeing no cost; with no increase to the deficit. Passed House June 26, 2009.
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 -- Makes historic investments of more than $69 billion in clean energy including: modernizing the grid to make it more efficient and reliable; tax incentives to spur energy savings and create clean energy jobs; and significant commitment to clean energy research, and to develop advanced battery technology. This is estimated to nearly double renewable electricity over four years (instead of increasing only 6 percent) and save consumers up to $98 a year in energy costs. It became law February 17, 2009.
Congressional Budget for FY 2010 -- The budget provides for a 10 percent increase for investments in clean renewable energy, energy efficiency, research and technological development, and paves the way for fiscally responsible legislation to spur clean energy and energy independence. Passed by the House and Senate, April 29, 2009.
110th Congress
Energy Independence and Security Act in 2007 -- Landmark energy law to increase vehicle fuel efficiency for the first time in more than 3 decades, to 35 miles per gallon in 2020, projected to save $1,000 per vehicle each year; to expand the use of American-grown biofuels, and to combat oil market manipulation. Signed into law on December 19, 2007.
Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 -- The new Farm Bill made an historic commitment to American biofuels�"which are keeping gas prices 15% lower than they otherwise would be due to fuel blending�"and increased Commodity Futures Trading Commission oversight authority to detect and prevent manipulation of energy prices. President Bush vetoed this bill, but the Congress overrode that veto. It became law June 18, 2008.
Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 -- Legislation that extended and expanded tax incentives for renewable electricity, energy and fuel from America's heartland, as well as for plug-in hybrid cars, and energy efficient homes, buildings, and appliances, is critical to creating and preserving more than 500,000 good-paying clean energy American jobs in the wind and solar industries alone. After President Bush threatened to veto these provisions several times, it was signed into law on October 3, 2008 as part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act.