House Approves Historic Legislation to Increase Energy Independence, Boost Fuel Economy

WASHINGTON, DC –The U.S. House of Representatives today acted to take America in a new energy independent direction in approving the Energy Independence and Security Act, legislation that will raise vehicle fuel efficiency for the first time in 32 years and significantly boosting investments in alternative energy sources. 

"With increasing energy prices burdening more Maryland families and our dependence on foreign oil undermining our national and economic security, it is long past time that we have a bold new energy policy for America," stated Rep. Steny Hoyer. "Passage of this measure will once and for all put our nation on a path toward energy independence—to strengthen national security, lower energy costs, grow our economy, create new jobs, and begin to reduce global warming. "

Among other things, the legislation takes ground-breaking steps to increase vehicle efficiency, raising fuel economy standards to 35 miles per gallon by 2020 for new cars and trucks – the first increase in fuel economy standards since 1975. This provision alone will save American families an estimated $700 to $1,000 per year at the pump, and reduce oil consumption by 1.1 million gallons per day in 2020 – one-half of what we currently import from the Persian Gulf.

In addition to boosting vehicle fuel efficiency, the Energy Independence and Security Act:

•        Makes an historic commitment to American-grown biofuels with an increase of the Renewable Fuels Standard to 36 billion gallons in 2022;

•        Requires for the first time that 15 percent of our electricity come from renewable sources (Renewable Electricity Standard);

•        Saves consumers hundreds of billions of dollars through landmark new energy efficiency standards for a wide range of products, appliances, lighting and buildings;

•        Promotes renewable energy through tax incentives for solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal technologies and supports cutting-edge energy research, and;

•        Trains workers for 3 million new "green" jobs over the next 10 years and makes small businesses leaders in renewable energy. 

As a leader in Congress, Rep. Hoyer has long been a leading advocate of establishing a nationwide commitment to energy independence. Legislation he introduced this Congress, the PROGRESS Act, included significant measures that were incorporated into the Energy Independence and Security Act, including the call for greater vehicle efficiency and an increased commitment to home-grown biofuels and clean alternative energies. 

The energy bill is the product of bipartisan Senate and House collaboration and builds on the New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act (H.R. 3221, and H.R. 2776) that passed this summer. The Senate is expected to vote on the legislation next week.

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