Energy Bill Win for American Consumer

WASHINGTON, D.C. – With gas and oil prices skyrocketing, Energy andCommerce Committee Vice Chair Diana DeGette (D-CO) today hailed thepassage of the Energy Independence and Security Act [vote of 314-100],landmark energy legislation that will make America more energyindependent, cut energy costs for families, reduce global warming, andgrow our economy. President Bush is expected to sign the legislationinto law.

"Congress has finally started to address the mounting energy challengesfacing our country – reducing global warming, increasing the use ofalternative fuels and renewable energy, to cutting energy prices forthe American consumer," said DeGette. "This energy legislation is a winfor the American people – for the first time in over 30 years,consumers will see an increase in the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency(CAFÉ) standards which will put more fuel efficient cars on the road,reducing our dependence on foreign oil and saving consumers thousandsof dollars every year."

The Energy Independence and Security Act will increase vehicle fuelefficiency to 35 miles per gallon in 2020—the first congressionalincrease in 32 years – and slash U.S. oil consumption by more than 4million barrels per day by 2030. The legislation also expands the useof American-grown biofuels to 36 billion gallons in 2022 increases theefficiency of buildings, homes, appliances, and lighting. All totaledit cuts greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 by up to 24 percent of whatthe U.S. needs to do to help save the planet.

"While I am disappointed that a national Renewable Electricity Standard(RES) was not included in the final bill, I am confident that we willmove toward a national renewable energy program during the 110thCongress. This historic energy legislation is not only the mostforward-thinking in decades, but puts us on a path towards energyindependence."

DeGette led efforts in the House to pass a Renewable Electricity Standard in the original House bill approved in August.