Markey: Bi-partisan Group Backs Top Provisions of Energy Bill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Select Committee, 202-225-4081
Markey: Bi-partisan Group Backs Top Provisions of Energy Bill
WASHINGTON (October 24, 2007) – The bi-partisan National Commission on Energy Policy (NCEP) today backed important provisions of the current energy bill, saying these measures were urgent and achievable to increase energy security and address global warming. Those provisions backed by the group include increasing the fuel economy of our vehicles by four percent per year, which would be more aggressive than the current 35 mpg by 2020 standard accepted by the Senate; and establishing a national 15 percent renewable electricity standard, which is included in the House bill.
In a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), NCEP expressed urgency to get a bill passed this year and sent to the President, a goal the New Direction Democratic Congress shares. The group also backed efficiency and renewable fuels measures included in the bill, among other provisions.
The energy bill now pending before Congress has the potential to dramatically reduce our energy dependence and serve as a critical down-payment on the crisis of global warming. By 2030, the energy bill’s vehicle fuel economy and renewable fuels mandates would reduce our consumption of oil by 4 million barrels per day. In addition, it is estimated that by 2030, the energy bill will reduce the total amount of U.S. global warming pollution by roughly 40 percent of what’s needed to save the planet.
Below is the statement of Chairman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming:
“For years, the National Commission on Energy Policy has played a critical role in shaping the debate on our nation’s energy policy. I commend the co-chairs of NCEP for continuing to exercise their leadership by writing to Congress at this critical moment for our energy future.
“The letter issued to Congressional leaders today by NCEP highlights the urgency and importance of passing the energy bill that is now being considered by the Congress. As the co-chairs discuss in their letter, it is also imperative that the final energy bill retain the forward-looking provisions of the House and Senate-passed versions, such as a strong fuel economy increase and the establishment of a national renewable electricity standard.”
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PLEASE NOTE: The House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming was created to explore American clean energy solutions that end our reliance on foreign oil and reduce carbon pollution.
The Select Committee was active during the 110th and 111th Congresses. This is an archived version of the website, to ensure that the public has ongoing access to the Select Committee record. This website, including external links, will not be updated after Jan. 3rd, 2010.
The Select Committee was active during the 110th and 111th Congresses. This is an archived version of the website, to ensure that the public has ongoing access to the Select Committee record. This website, including external links, will not be updated after Jan. 3rd, 2010.
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