It's not the most progressive bill Congress could've passed, but this is certainly a historic moment for the United States:Congress by a wide margin approved the first increase in automobile fuel economy in 32 years Tuesday, and President Bush plans to quickly sign the legislation, accepting the mandates on the auto industry.And which way did Virginia's Republicans vote on this bill? Well, while half of them voted for progress, Thelma Drake, Rob Wittman, Bob Goodlatte, and Eric Cantor all voted against energy independence, improved fuel economy, and a reduction in greenhouse gases. At least for Thelma, who is in a targeted seat that is trending blue, I think this one will haunt her.A new energy bill would increase the fleet average of U.S. automakers to 35 miles per gallon.
The energy bill, boosting mileage by 40 percent to 35 miles per gallon, passed the House 314-100 and now goes to the White House, following the Senate's approved last week....
"This legislation is a historic turning point in energy policy," said Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland because it will cut demand for foreign oil and promote nonfossil fuels that will cut greenhouse gases linked to global warming....
It increases energy efficiency "from light bulbs to light trucks," said Rep. John Dingell, D-Michigan, a longtime protector of the auto industry who was key to a compromise on vehicle efficiency increases....
The centerpiece of the bill remained the requirement for automakers to increase their industrywide vehicle fuel efficiency by 40 percent to an industry average of 35 mpg by 2020, compared with today's 25 mpg when including passenger cars, SUVs and small trucks.
Congress has not changed the auto mileage requirement since it was first enacted in 1975.
Though its still early to determine a "trend"..it seems Wittman jumped right in and demonstrated his conservation credentials by voting against the recently passed Energy Bill.
The Energy Bill is not perfect but it received large support from both sides of the aisle. The League of Conservation Voters included this statement regarding the passage of the bill :
"We applaud the U.S. House and Senate for passing a much-needed energy bill. We especially commend Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Reid for their leadership on this forward-looking legislation.Most significantly, this bill, which President Bush has promised to sign, increases fuel efficiency standards for our automobiles to 35 miles per gallon by 2020. Its passage marks the first time in 32 years that lawmakers have acted to raise fuel mileage standards, and it will significantly reduce Americans' oil consumption and our dependence on imports.
So, Wittman crosses the Potomac and discovers its NOT EASY BEING GREEN. Welcome to the Republican Party.