House Passes the New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security and Consumer Protection Act

HOUSE PASSES THE NEW DIRECTION FOR ENERGY INDEPENDENCE, NATIONAL SECURITY AND CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT

U.S. Representative Schakowsky (D-IL) today expressed her strong support for H.R. 3221, the New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security and Consumer Protection Act, which passed the House on August 4 by a vote of 241 to 172.

"I am pleased that the House also passed the bipartisan Udall-Platts amendment, which takes a giant step forward in expanding our use of home-grown, environmentally-sound renewable energy," said Schakowsky. "By setting a standard for renewable energy use by electric utilities, we can reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, address global warming and create good jobs here in the U.S."

Congresswoman Schakowsky also delivered the following remarks on the House floor in support of the energy bill:

"Madame Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Udall-Platts amendment. This amendment requires the United States to adopt a renewable portfolio standard for electric utilities of 15 percent by 2020, fulfilling our obligation as the world's lone superpower to be at the forefront in protecting the environment.

The need for a renewable portfolio standard is clear. With only five percent of the world population, the United States produces nearly 25 percent of annual global heat-trapping emissions. Electricity generation accounts for fully one-third of these emissions. We have a responsibility and a compelling interest to significantly reduce these harmful emissions. Renewable electricity standards offer a smart, affordable climate solution with a proven track record.

Passing a renewable fuel standard not only reduces our nation's harmful impact on the environment, it also makes us more secure. Today, he United States imports nearly 60 percent of its oil from the Middle East and politically unstable nations such as Algeria, Nigeria and Venezuela. As alarming as this statistics is, evidence suggests that unless we change our behavior, the situation will only become more dire. In fact, a recent study found that if the United States continues its current consumption without increasing its domestic production, by 2010 we will have to import 75 percent of our fuel.

To prevent this sort of prediction from becoming a reality, it is crucial, that the United States takes steps to decrease its dependence on foreign oil. The 15 by 20 principle is the answer to this challenge. It can be achieved by tapping a multitude of natural resources. We can harvest the sun and wind to produce new energy. We can grow a wide variety of crops to produce ethanol and biodiesel and we can utilize livestock wastes to produce biogas and generate new power sources.

In addition to the advantages that renewable energy holds in terms of environmental and national security issues, there is also a strong economic incentive as well. Many renewable energy facilities are located near key regions across rural America. These facilities provide good jobs, often near small towns which have suffered from population declines.

Currently, renewable energy accounts for about 14% of the world's energy consumption. While this number is encouraging, the United States lags behind. According to a September 2006 report by the Center for American Progress, just over 6% of our electricity needs come from renewable energy sources.

We can do better, and, Americans want us to do better. I believe that setting a goal of 15 percent of America's total energy needs from renewable sources by 2020 sets us on the right path. I strongly endorse this amendment and I urge my colleagues to support it."

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