Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007

Floor Speech

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Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, last November, the American people voted for change. They were frustrated with the direction our nation was taking and felt that we needed to set a new course. I am so proud to stand before you to say to my colleagues and most importantly the American people, that today we begin to chart that new course on energy policy.

For the first time in over 30 years, the House of Representatives will pass a significant energy bill--one that reduces our dependence on foreign oil. Our addiction to oil has compromised our national security and causes tremendous damage to our environment.

While there are many things to be proud about in this bill, there are two that I would like to highlight. The first is the new fuel economy standard. Today, the average price of gasoline in the United States is well above three dollars. This puts a tremendous strain on the American people, who in many instances have no option aside from driving to get to work or bring their children to school. Today we pass a bill that raises fuel economy standards to 35 miles per gallon by 2020 for new cars. This provision alone will save American families between $700 and $1000 per year, by making their cars run more efficiently. It will also reduce oil consumption by 1.1 million gallons per day in 2020, approximately half of what we import from the Persian Gulf. This will reduce our dependence on oil which comes from the Middle East and politically unstable nations.

In addition to raising CAFE standards, the Energy Independence and Security Act also makes a commitment to integrate renewable energy sources into our supply. This commitment comes at precisely the right moment for America. We are at the precipice of developing new technology that will allow our nation to produce alternative energy more efficiently. In order for this development to be realized, however, we must guarantee a demand for the product. That is why the inclusion of a renewable portfolio standard is so important. It creates the demand necessary to spur development. The bill requires utility companies to generate 15 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2020. This will mean major investment in products made throughout the country, like ethanol in my home state, wind farms in California, and solar harnessing technology in Florida that will create new jobs and facilitate economic growth.

As important as the Energy Independence and Security Act is, it is just the first step and the road in front of us is long. We need an energy program that matches the scale of the threat we face. We will continue to build on the momentum we are creating and I look forward to the day when I can stand before you and say that the United States is completely energy independent.

In conclusion I would like to thank the Speaker and Chairman DINGELL for their leadership on this bill throughout the process. We would not be here today without them.

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