Rep. Ellen Tauscher Backs Landmark Energy Legislation
Press Release
Rep. Ellen Tauscher Backs Landmark Energy Legislation
Bill Will Make Vehicles More Efficient, Cut Energy Costs, Fight Global Warming
Rep. Ellen Tauscher today backed the Energy Independence and Security Act, landmark energy legislation that will make America more energy independent, cut energy costs for families, reduce global warming, and grow our economy. The historic legislation was passed by a vote of 314-100 and will be sent to the President, who is expected to sign the bill into law tomorrow.
"It is about time that the Congress stepped up and set an energy agenda that is in-line with Americans' environmental and economic concerns," said Rep. Ellen Tauscher. "As a Californian I am uniquely aware of how our energy policy dictates the quality of our air and water and influences the price we pay at the pump. There is still more action to take on our energy priorities but this legislation is a major first step toward the energy solutions our country desperately needs. I look forward to working to expand on this legislation next year with tax incentives for energy efficiency and clean renewable sources like solar and wind, and to further the new Congress' commitment to combating climate change and reducing our dangerous dependence on foreign oil."
The Energy Independence and Security Act will increase vehicle fuel efficiency to 35 miles per gallon in 2020the first congressional increase in 32 years - and slash U.S. oil consumption by more than 4 million barrels per day by 2030. The legislation also expands the use of American-grown biofuels to 36 billion gallons in 2022 increases the efficiency of buildings, homes, appliances, and lighting.
The legislation will also save money for American consumers and strengthen the economy. Increased vehicle fuel efficiency will save American families $700 to $1,000 a year at the pump and the new building, appliance, and lighting efficiency will save consumers $400 billion through 2030. Additionally, the development of biofuels and support for cutting-edge energy research will create hundreds of thousands of new jobs.
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