Bishop Votes for Historic Increase in Fuel Efficiency, Cutting Energy Costs
Press Release
BISHOP VOTES FOR HISTORIC INCREASE IN FUEL EFFICIENCY, CUTTING ENERGY COSTS
Today, Congressman Tim Bishop (NY-1) voted for landmark energy legislation, the Energy Independence and Security Act, which will make America more energy independent, cut energy costs for families, reduce global warming, and strengthen our national security. The historic legislation was passed by a bipartisan majority of 314-100 and will be sent to the President, who is expected to sign the bill into law tomorrow.
"This legislation is the most important step Congress has taken in more than three decades to break America's addiction to foreign oil," said Bishop. "We know that America cannot drill our way to energy independence, but we can take major steps to get there by using less oil. As cars and SUVs improve their fuel efficiency, we will save Long Island families money."
The Energy Independence and Security Act will increase vehicle fuel efficiency to 35 miles per gallon by 2020the first congressionally mandated increase in 32 years- and slash U.S. oil consumption by more than 4 million barrels per day by 2030. This will reduce greenhouse gases in an amount equal to taking 28 million of today's average cars and trucks off the road. The legislation also expands the use of American-grown biofuels to 36 billion gallons in 2022 and increases the efficiency of buildings, homes, appliances, and lighting.
The legislation will also save money for American consumers and strengthen the economy. Increased vehicle fuel efficiency will save American families $700 to $1,000 a year at the pump and the new building, appliance, and lighting efficiency will save consumers $400 billion through 2030. The development of biofuels and support for cutting-edge energy research will create hundreds of thousands of new jobs.
"While partisan bickering has not allowed this Congress to be as productive as I would have hoped, I am very proud that we were able to come together and pass this critical piece of legislation with a wide, bipartisan majority," Bishop said.
For years, Bishop has championed lower gas prices and fought price-gouging. He has sponsored legislation to repeal excessive oil and gas subsidies; launch incentives to develop innovative alternative and renewable energy sources; and sanction corporations that manipulate prices.
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