House Approves Energy Bill

Press Release

House Approves Energy Bill

U.S. Representative Neil Abercrombie announced that the House has given final passage to the Energy Independence and Security Act, a package of legislation aimed at making cars and trucks, home appliances, houses, businesses, and the federal, state and local governments more energy efficient. The intent of the legislation is to move the country away from its dependence on foreign oil, cut consumer energy costs and reduce the emissions which contribute to global warming.

"One of the most important provisions in the Energy Bill will raise vehicle fuel efficiency standard to 35 miles per gallon by 2020. That's an increase of 40%, and the first hike in congressionally-mandated mileage standards in 32 years," said Rep. Neil Abercrombie.

In Hawaii, where the price of regular gas has soared from $1.78 a gallon to an average of $3.45 since 2001, estimated savings for Hawaii families are from $700 and $1000 per year. Additionally, the legislation mandates more energy efficient home appliances, including dishwashers, refrigerators and lighting.

The Energy Bill also creates a grant program that would allow the City and County of Honolulu and the State of Hawaii to develop their own energy efficiency projects, such as seawater air conditioning or the replacement of aging transit buses with cleaner vehicles.

"The earth has only a finite amount of energy resources, and we must use them and manage them wisely," Abercrombie said. "This Energy Bill is a very belated, very limited step in the right direction. But in reversing the policies of the last six years, it is huge."

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