U.S. Senate Passes Historic Fuel-Efficiency Increase

Press Release

U.S. Senate Passes Historic Fuel-Efficiency Increase

In an effort to reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil and support energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives, the U.S. Senate passed a comprehensive Energy bill late last night by a vote of 86 to 8. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) voted for the measure, which raises fuel efficiency standards for cars and light trucks to 35 miles per gallon for the first time in thirty-two years; bans oil market manipulation; provides incentives for increased efficiency in buildings and homes; improves lighting and appliance efficiency standards.

"Energy is the lifeblood of our economy and passing this bill represents a major step forward. The fossil fuels our country currently relies on are unsustainable. Our nation's addiction to over-seas oil is threatening our national security and dramatically changing the climate in which we live," said Reed. "Passing this legislation will set America on a course for greater energy self-reliance. This bill will improve our nation's energy efficiency, increase vehicle economy standards, and decrease our reliance on oil, especially from unstable regions of the world."

In addition to reducing our demand for oil through improved fuel efficiency standards, the bill makes a commitment to develop home-grown fuels such as cellulosic ethanol.

"The University of Rhode Island's Biofuel Development Laboratory is pioneering cutting-edge research that could significantly increase the amount of energy produced from ethanol developed from easily grown switchgrass," noted Reed, who toured the lab last fall. "Investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy programs here at home can help create jobs, reduce our demand for foreign oil, and represents our nation's best means of addressing a secure energy future. I am proud that Rhode Island is helping to lead the way to increase the energy production from renewable, domestic sources."

The bill includes a renewable fuel standard and provisions supported by Reed that to ensure that biofuels remain under the Clean Air Act authority as well as other safeguards to protect our land, air and water. Currently, the maximum level of ethanol permitted to be blended with gasoline for use in conventional gasoline-powered vehicles, equipment, and engines is 10 percent - so-called E10. There is little available data on the emission, air quality, public health, or safety impacts of higher ethanol blends. Therefore, to avoid unintended harm to air quality, costs to consumers, and gasoline-powered vehicles and equipment, the bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to approve or disapprove of a higher blend after public notice and comment.

Unfortunately, the victory was bittersweet since a national renewable electricity standard and a tax package extending and expanding incentives for alternative energy technologies were removed in the face of a presidential veto threat.

"We didn't get everything we wanted in this bill, but it is still a major accomplishment because it will reduce our need for foreign oil, curb greenhouse gas emissions, and save consumers billions of dollars at the pump," concluded Reed.

Now that it has passed the Senate, the bill must be approved by the U.S. House of Representatives before it is sent to the President to be signed into law.

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