Rep. Baca Supports Historic Energy Legislation

Press Release

Rep. Baca Supports Historic Energy Legislation

Bill Creates New Clean Energy Jobs, Fights Global Warming, Increases America's Energy Security

Congressman Joe Baca today joined a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives in passing H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act. The legislation, which establishes a three-part program to increase energy efficiency, invest in clean, renewable energy resources, and reduce global warming pollution, passed the House with a 219 to 212 vote.

"For too long, America has relied on the Middle East for all our energy needs," continued Rep. Baca. "By investing in home-grown, renewable energy sources, this bill moves us away from our dependence on foreign oil and strengthens our future national security. In addition, the 1.7 million clean energy jobs this legislation will create are vital to modernizing our nation and transitioning our economy into the twenty-first century."

The American Clean Energy and Security Act opens up private sector investment in clean energy to create an estimated 1.7 million new homegrown jobs that can't be outsourced. The legislation also provides the assistance needed for energy-intensive industries like steel and iron to transition to a cleaner, more profitable future. The bill also makes farmers and ranchers a part of America's energy solution, with carbon-offsets for crops and forests, and an increased focus on biofuels, and wind and solar farmers to repower America.

"After the sky-rocketing energy costs and foreign oil dependence of the Bush-Cheney years, doing nothing is not an acceptable option" explained Rep. Baca. "Today's historic bill takes the balanced approach necessary to revitalize our economy, increase our national security, and preserve our planet for future generations."

H.R. 2454 also takes essential steps to reduce global warming and increase American energy independence, including:

Reducing pollution that causes climate change by limiting emissions from electric utilities, oil refineries, and other major sources, and rewarding companies as they use cleaner technology;
Cutting our use of foreign oil by more than 5 million barrels a day by the year 2030;
Investing in new clean energy and energy efficient technologies including alternative energy vehicles; and,
Updating standards for our nation's appliances, buildings, factories and power plants, saving families and businesses energy and money while cutting emissions.

"For too long, America has been held hostage by the interests of foreign dictators and big oil," concluded Rep. Baca. "I am proud to support this responsible bill, which moves the United States to a clean energy economy and transitions our nation off of foreign oil while creating whole new industries and millions of new, home-grown jobs."

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