Rep. Berman Supports New Energy Independence Plan

Press Release

REP. BERMAN SUPPORTS NEW ENERGY INDEPENDENCE PLAN

Bill Promotes Renewable Energy, Helps Fight Global Warming

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Howard Berman today joined a majority in the House of Representatives in support of two landmark energy independence bills that will help make our nation more secure, create new American jobs, reduce energy costs to consumers, and fight global warming. The Democratic Energy Independence Initiative was passed by a vote of 241-172 and by a vote of 221-189.

"Today, we passed legislation that will help protect our environment, create good, new American jobs, and make America's heartland part of the solution to reduce our dependence on foreign oil," said Berman. "Ending our dependence on foreign oil will make us more secure and is good for consumers and good for the environment."

These bills approved by the House today strengthen national security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil, making the largest investment in homegrown biofuels in history and repealing giveaways to big oil companies. The legislation also supports cutting edge-research and the development of new technologies that will bring down energy costs and help create new jobs.

The bills also work to make America a world leader in the fight to end global warming and protect our planet. The efficiency provisions in this bill alone will reduce emissions by as much as 10.4 billion tons through 2030 -- more than the annual emissions of all of the cars on the road in America today. It also calls on the U.S. to re-engage and lead the global effort on a binding global warming agreement.

"Congress cannot shy away from the fight to curb global warming," added Berman. "Our legislation addresses this issue head on and helps make the United States a world leader in the effort to stop global warming and preserve our planet."

The legislation also closes loopholes for that offer incentives for business to purchase gas-guzzling vehicles and repeals $23 billion in tax subsidies and royalty relief provisions for big oil companies.

The Democratic Energy Independence Initiative capped a term of remarkable accomplishment and progress for the Democratic-led House of Representatives. Under the Democratic Congress, Americans will get the first minimum wage increase in ten years, fiscally responsible spending bills that restore deficit reduction discipline have passed the House, and millions of low-income children will receive health care and health insurance.

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