Urges the President to Walk the Talk and Sign into Law
December 18, 2007
Today, U.S. Rep Ed Perlmutter (CO-07) voted with a bipartisan majority of the House to pass H.R. 6, Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007, by a vote of 314 to 100. This major legislation increases the vehicle fuel efficiency standard to 35 miles per gallon in 2020, the first congressional increase in 32 years and expands American-grown biofuels to 36 billion gallons in 2022.
"This historic legislation places America on the path to energy independence by promoting home grown biofuels and increasing the efficiency of our automobiles. While I am disappointed the Senate stripped provisions including Renewable Energy Standard and reducing big oil tax subsidies, this bill is still a major step in weaning America from foreign sources of energy.
"Congress must find common ground whenever possible to improve the security and prosperity of our nation, and this vote today is proof of that. The President talked about energy independence in his State of the Union Address. Actions speak louder than words, and now is the time for him to act on those words and sign this bill into law. Promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency is good for national security, good for the climate and good for jobs," stated Perlmutter.
Some key provisions of H.R. 6 are listed below:
Good for National Security
Increases fuel economy standard to 35 mile per gallon by 2020 for new cars and trucks. This is the first increase by Congress since 1975.
Increased vehicle fuel efficiency will save American families $700 to $1,000 a year at the pump.
Expands American-grown biofuels to 36 billion gallons in 2022
Slashes U.S. oil consumption by more than four million barrels per day by 2030—more than twice our daily imports from the Persian Gulf.
Good for the Climate
Cuts greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 by up to 24 percent of what the U.S. needs to do to help save the planet.
Increased vehicle fuel efficiency has the equivalent effect of taking 28 million vehicles off the road in 2020.
Increases the efficiency of buildings, homes, appliances, and lighting, reducing emissions 75 percent as much as increasing vehicle efficiency.
Good for Jobs
An analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists shows that raising fuel economy standards to an average of 35 miles per gallon by 2020 would create in Colorado alone 2,100 jobs and save $317 million annually.
Creates an Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Worker Training Program to train a quality workforce for "green collar" jobs. It is estimated that major investments in renewable energy could create 3 million green jobs over 10 years.
Massive development of biofuels and cutting-edge energy research will create hundreds of thousands of new jobs.
