House Passes Energy Bill, Historic Increase in Fuel Efficiency for Cars and Trucks

Press Release

House Passes Energy Bill, Historic Increase in Fuel Efficiency for Cars and Trucks

Larsen Applauds "Landmark Investment in Energy Independence and National Security"

U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted today with a majority of his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to pass landmark energy legislation to increase the fuel efficiency of cars and trucks, invest in American biofuels and require that 15 percent of electricity comes from renewable sources. The Energy Independence and Security Act is fully paid for and shifts subsidies away from traditional production and toward investments in renewable resources and conservation. The bill passed the House today by a vote of 235 to 181. The Senate is expected to consider the legislation as early as this week.

"The Energy Independence and Security Act makes a landmark investment in energy independence and national security," said Larsen. "This legislation invests the energy of our country in the energy of the future."

"By increasing fuel efficiency standards for American cars and trucks and reducing U.S. dependence on foreign sources of oil, this bill will strengthen our national security and reduce greenhouse gases to fight global warming."

"We need to get this bill through the Senate and signed into law so American families can keep more money in their pockets and spend less at the tank," Larsen concluded.

Key provisions of the Energy Independence and Security Act:

* Increases the efficiency of vehicles to 35 miles per gallon by 2020, the first congressional increase in 32 years;
* Makes a historic commitment to American-grown biofuels, making agriculture part of the energy solution;
* Requires for the first time that 15 percent of our electricity come from renewable sources;
* Improves the energy efficiency of a wide range of household products, appliances, lighting and buildings; and
* Invests in clean renewable and alternative energy tax incentives to help reduce greenhouse gases and create jobs.

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