Titus: House Energy Bill Will Create Jobs and Make Nevada a Leader on Renewable Energy
Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada's Third District voted today in support of H.R. 2452, the American Clean Energy and Security Act, which makes historic investments to create a clean energy economy that will generate jobs and reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil.
"For less than the equivalent of one stamp a day, our efforts today will spur job creation in clean energy technology and put our nation on a path to energy independence," Congresswoman Titus said. "This legislation makes important investments in renewable energy that can help create jobs right here in Nevada and take advantage of our abundant natural resources. We have seen the devastating effects of rising gas prices and what happens when we are subject to the whims of OPEC. This bill would help reduce our dependence on oil from the Middle East and put us on the path to a clean energy economy."
Key provisions in the American Clean Energy and Security Act include: requiring electric utilities to meet 20 percent of their electricity demand through renewable energy sources by 2020; investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, electric and other advanced technology vehicles, and basic scientific research and development; and protecting consumers from energy price increases.
Congresswoman Titus joined Representatives Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico to offer an amendment to the bill. Their provision will open the door to government investments in cleaner, more sustainable and ultimately more cost beneficial technologies by extending the limit for contract for the acquisition of electricity generated from a renewable energy resource to 20 years from 10.
"There is a lot of pent up demand for investing in clean energy," Titus added. "Companies are just waiting for us to write the rules before they jump in and invest and this bill will give them the information and certainty they need to begin investing money in clean energy projects that will create jobs."
The legislation, which meets PAYGO requirements and is estimated by the Congressional Budget Office to reduce the deficit by $9 billion, has received broad support from industry and environment groups alike. The bill is supported by a coalition that includes electric utilities, oil companies, car companies, chemical companies, major manufacturers, environmental organizations, and labor organizations.