Durbin Discusses Energy Bill During Visit to Pike County Wind Farm

Press Release

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) visited Pike County Wind Farm today, less than 48 hours after the Senate passed a bill that promotes energy independence.

The energy bill includes higher fuel economy standards for cars and trucks, a provision for which Durbin was instrumental in securing Senate passage. It also boosts production of renewable fuels over the next decade and takes critical steps to begin the fight against global warming.

"The energy bill we passed Thursday night will help move us in a new energy direction—a direction that will enhance national security, strengthen the economy and protect the environment," said Durbin.

Provisions of the energy legislation approved by the Senate include:

* CAFE standards: The Senate reached a bipartisan compromise to raise vehicle fuel economy standards for the first time in 22 years. The standards will increase from the current 25 miles per gallon to 35 miles per gallon by 2020. In 2020, the new fuel economy standards will save 18 billion gallons of gasoline annually, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 206 tons of carbon dioxide annually in 2020 (the equivalent of taking over 30 million cars off the roads) and save consumers nearly $25 billion in gasoline costs.

* Renewable Fuel Standard: The bill will increase the amount of ethanol produced, displacing 36 billion gallons of gasoline by 2022. This provision will save 1.4 million barrels of oil per day and reduce emission of greenhouse gasses into the environment. It will also drive the market toward next generation biofuels, including cellulosic ethanol which can be produced from many feedstocks.

* Energy Efficiency: The bill will make significant advances in reducing energy consumption in federal buildings and improving energy efficiency in lighting and appliances—an area often ignored and one that can save Americans billions of dollars. Reducing energy use by the federal government could save taxpayers $4 billion.

* Consumer Protections at the Pump: The legislation provides protection from oil companies taking advantage of consumers in an energy emergency. The bill explicitly prohibits market manipulation and gives the Federal Trade Commission the power to investigate and prosecute cases of potential price gouging.

* Clean Energy: The bill requires the federal government to purchase 10 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2010 and 15 percent by 2015. "If we are going to ask our fellow Americans to make greener choices, then we have to lead by example in Washington," Durbin said.

Durbin also pushed for a provision that would require that 15 percent of electricity generated in the U.S. come from renewable sources by 2015. The provision was not included in the final bill.

"The entire nation needs to follow this lead; we need to create energy in a clean, sustainable way," said Durbin of the Pike County Wind Farm. In addition to the clean source of electricity, the wind farm also means jobs and tax revenue for Pike County, which Durbin applauded.

"For the first time, I think we've reached a point where the vast majority of our nation agrees that it is time to take global warming and energy independence seriously," Durbin said. "That includes scientists, the Supreme Court, Fortune 100 leaders and military leaders. Now is the time to get legislation on these issues signed into law. I can tell you we are eager to do so and we need more places like the Pike County Wind Farm to help us achieve our goals."

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