Markey: House Delivers Key Energy Bill, Moves Toward Bright Energy Independence Future
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Markey: House Delivers Key Energy Bill, Moves Toward Bright Energy Independence Future
WASHINGTON (December 6, 2007) – Today the House of Representatives passed the Energy Independence and Security Act by a vote of 235 to 181. The bill includes the first fuel economy increase for cars and light trucks in decades, as well as incentives to increase production and use of renewable energy and sets strong new efficiency standards.
Overall, by 2030, the bill will save Americans twice the amount of oil we currently import from the Persian Gulf and cuts U.S. heat-trapping emissions by up to 35 percent of what scientists say is needed to avert the worst impacts of global warming.
Below is the statement of Chairman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming:
“Today marks the dawn of a future with less dependence on foreign oil, more renewable energy, and a safer climate. This bill marks a turning point away from America’s untenable path of reliance on dirty fossil fuels that pollute our planet and link us to dangerous foreign regimes and towards a new energy independence future.
“More than two thousand years ago, oil in the Maccabees’ lamp burned for 8 days instead of just one, marking the miracle of Chanukah. Today, during Chanukah, this bill marks a 21st century milestone involving Middle East oil by using advanced technology to increase the fuel economy of our cars, trucks and SUVs. And it marks an advance in our moral and economic imperative to fight global warming by producing homegrown fuels from plants and waste, and using zero-pollution renewable sources of power.
“Speaker Pelosi and all of my colleagues who worked on and voted for this bill should feel proud today, and the American people should take heart that this Democratic Congress has begun a new direction on energy taken the lead on energy and global warming issues after years of wandering in the Republican desert.”
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 This is an archived version of the website, to ensure that the public has ongoing access to the Select Committee record.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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