Democrats Lead the Way Toward Energy Independence and Environmental Responsibility
DEMOCRATS LEAD THE WAY TOWARD ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
Calling it a roadmap to America's energy independence and a significant step toward addressing the global warming crisis, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined Democrats to announce the Clean Energy Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) Act of 2006.
"America's energy policy has been headed in the wrong direction for too many years; unless we turn it around, we're going to reach a dead end," Durbin said. "America holds only 3% of the world's oil reserves, yet we consume 25% of the world oil produced. Drilling our way out of the current energy crisis is no solution. Americans cannot afford to be so dependent on Middle East oil, and the Bush-Cheney administration cannot be permitted to set any more energy policies with Big Oil's bottom line in mind."
"We have a chance - maybe our last chance - to do two things: move seriously toward the goal of energy independence before our economy stalls and to begin to reverse the environmental damage that threatens our way of life. The Democrats believe it is time for leadership - time for a new direction - time for an energy policy that serves our economy and saves our environment." Durbin added.
Durbin said the Clean EDGE Act of 2006 sets a national goal of reducing oil consumption by 40%, or 6 million barrels per day, by 2020. It also requires that 50% of all vehicles be fully capable of running on ethanol, biodiesel or alternative fuels by 2020 and that all refueling stations owned by major integrated oil companies must make alternative fuels available by 2015.
"Relying on Midwest corn instead of Middle East oil is in America's best interest. Illinois farmers stand ready and willing to contribute to our nation's energy security and independence," Durbin said.
Durbin noted that by promoting the use of alternate fuel sources, the bill will set in motion a technological and innovation boon that will help create jobs and expand economic opportunities, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming.
"The impacts of global warming are real and it is our responsibility as leaders to ensure that the decisions we make today provide solutions to global warming instead of adding to the problem," Durbin said.
Among the provisions that address global warming, the Clean EDGE Act of 2006 would require labeling of the annual output of greenhouse gas emission on all new vehicles sold. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, carbon dioxide emissions from the transportation sector are the largest source of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions at 33 percent of total U.S. energy-related carbon emissions in 2004. Transportation sector emissions increased by 3.1 percent in 2004 relative to the 2003 levels. The Act also requires the Secretary of Energy with other agencies, to complete a study of the bills probable effects on greenhouse gas emissions and requires recommendations to the Act to ensure an overall reduction in total domestic greenhouse gas emissions.
Clean EDGE Act of 2006 would also:
# Protect consumers by making price-gouging a federal crime; prohibits oil and gas companies from manipulating supplies to increase prices; and requires review of industry consolidation.
# Set a national standard requiring that 10% of all electricity to come from renewable sources by 2020.
# Eliminate excessive tax breaks to major oil companies.
# Provide tax credit to low-income consumers and rural commuters.
# Expand existing incentives for consumers purchasing alternative fuel vehicles.
http://durbin.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=255739&&