(UPDATE BY ROB: Every member of our Republican congressional delegation in the House voted against this bill. Davis, Wolf, Drake ... all of 'em. See here and here.)
Please vote in favor of the energy bill now pending before the Senate. It contains important provisions like stronger fuel economy standards and more renewable energy requirements that will not only make us more energy independent but help fight climate change. Sen. Warner's leadership is critical to the passage of this important legislation. Thank you!
Statement on Passage of Historic 'Green' Energy Independence Legislation35 Miles Per Gallon to Become National Standard
Washington, D.C., December 6th - Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat, issued the following statement regarding House passage of landmark energy independence legislation, the "Energy and Independence and Security Act," (H.R. 6) approved this afternoon.
"Fuel efficiency standards have been in a deep freeze for 32 years. But with today's enactment of landmark energy independence legislation, the era of wimpy gas mileage is over.
"We've mandated tough, but achievable, fuel efficiency standards that will reduce our daily consumption of oil by 4 million barrels per day by 2030 -- more than twice the amount we currently import from the Persian Gulf.
"With $100 a barrel gas prices speeding into view and skyrocketing gas prices; Congress is taking concrete steps to reduce the amount of oil we consume, to make our vehicles travel further on each gallon they burn, and promote cleaner, renewable energy sources.
"Congress is working to bring a new direction for U.S. energy policy, one that will tackle the threat of global warming and the economic impact of future oil price shocks. The path to energy independence is paved with clean, environmentally responsible sources of energy. This legislation represents the concrete and spade work to make it happen."
Highlights of the bill:
* Increases the fuel efficiency of vehicles for the first time in 32 years, to 35 mpg by 2020 (CAFE).
* Makes an historic commitment to American-grown bio-fuels for vehicles (Renewable Fuels Standard).
* Requires for the first time that 15 percent of our electricity come from renewable sources (Renewable Electricity Standard); the equivalent of retiring 300 coal-fired power plants.
* Sets landmark new energy efficiency standards for a wide range of products, appliances, lighting and buildings.
* Repeals tax breaks for profit-rich oil companies, and invests those savings in clean renewable energy and new American technologies.
What about Webb? Is he already on board, or do we need to nudge him too?
Hmmm...does anyone see any VIRGINIA Republicans in here? How about those "moderates" like Tom Davis and Frank Wolf? Hmmm.