Engel Proposals a Main Part of Energy Act

Press Release

ENGEL PROPOSALS A MAIN PART OF ENERGY ACT
Move to energy independence passes House 235-181

The House Thursday passed far reaching legislation to put the United States on the path to energy independence, with a large part of the legislation adapted from Congressman Eliot Engel's proposals.

Rep. Engel's proposals, written into the Energy Independence and Security Act and which passed the House by vote of 235 to 181, uses a package of existing technologies to reduce America's oil dependence by promoting efficiency and embracing alternative fuels.

The 10-term Congressman, who sits on the Energy and Commerce Committee, said, "Clean, renewable and efficient energy will be a boon for our economy. I believe it will be the next in a series of revolutions that have invigorated our economy with new ideas, new industries, and new jobs."

The effect of the legislation is to strengthen national security, lower energy costs, grow our economy and create new jobs, and begin to reduce global warming.

It will do this by taking groundbreaking steps to increase the efficiency of our vehicles, making an historic commitment to American grown biofuels, requiring that 15 percent of our electricity come from renewable sources, and strengthening energy efficiency for a wide range of products, appliances, lighting and buildings to reduce energy costs to consumers.

It mandates increased automotive fuel efficiency standards to 35 miles per gallon from the present 25 by the year 2020, the first such change since 1975. It would boost the requirement from the current 27.5 miles per gallons for cars and 22.2 miles per gallon for light trucks and sport utility vehicles.

The energy bill repeals tax breaks for profit-rich oil companies, and invests that money in clean renewable energy and new American technologies. Not only would this reduce our dependence on foreign oil, the measure would also save consumers billions of dollars.

"Despite our economic dominance, we continue to give our money to foreign nations because we are addicted to foreign oil. Despite our military might, we continue to leave our Achilles' heel exposed because we are addicted to foreign oil. It is time for that to change. It is time for bold leadership to move us toward energy independence."

"Among Rep. Engel's legislative initiatives included in the bill are:"

PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle) and other Advanced Drive Transportation Technologies. Provisions to improve the PHEV Program, and other provisions to promote electric drive and hybrid transportation technologies, which can save fuels costs for consumers and businesses, reduce air pollution, and decrease dependence on imported oil.

Renewable Fuels Standard. A Renewable Fuels Standard under which a percentage of our nation's fuel supply will be provided by domestic production of biofuels. This will provide a pathway for reduced consumer fuel prices, increased energy security, and growth in our nation's factories and farms.

Tire Efficiency Program. A national program to educate consumers about the crucial role of passenger tires on vehicle fuel consumption and maintenance.

United States-Israel Energy Cooperation. A grant program to fund joint ventures between American and Israeli businesses, academic institutions and non-profit agencies to develop clean alternative fuels and more energy efficient technologies.

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