Rep. Courtney, House Pass Critical & Innovative Energy Initiative
Press Release
Rep. Courtney, House Pass Critical & Innovative Energy Initiative
Congressman Supports Short and Long Term Approach to Addressing Nation's Energy Needs
Washington, Dec 6 - Congressman Joe Courtney voted today in support of H.R. 6, the Energy Independence and Security Act, which was passed by the House of Representatives in August and amended by the Senate. The final vote was 235 - 181 with 174 Republicans voting against the legislation.
"This one piece of legislation achieves three goals. The bill helps consumers, protects the environment and reduces our dangerous dependence on foreign oil," stated Courtney. "There has never before been as compelling a case than now to address the exorbitant cost of fuel and the continuing effect of global climate change. The President must know that we will never be able to drill our way out of the problem of high gas prices and I urge him to immediately sign this bill into law.
H.R. 6 included many innovative provisions aimed at securing our nation's energy future.
For the first time since the mid-1970s, H.R. 6 raises fuel economy standards to 35 mpg by 2020 for cars and trucks. This could translate to a family savings of $700 - $1000 per year at the pump. The goal is to save 1.1 million gallons of gas per day once the standards take effect in 2020.
H.R. 6 establishes 21st Century renewable electricity standards. This historic provision would build on the success of state actions, including Connecticut, to require utilities to generate 15 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2020. With a federal electricity standard in place across the country, fossil fuel consumption will decrease, prices will drop and emissions will plummet.
Energy efficiency incentives are broadened in H.R. 6. Consumers and businesses are poised to see billions of dollars in savings through 2030 - more energy efficient appliances and increased commercial and federal building energy efficiency incentives. The legislation pushes the Department of Energy to take action on new efficiency standards after years of delay.
H.R. 6 strengthens and extends renewable energy tax incentives. Existing renewable energy tax credits including solar, wind, biomass, landfill gas and trash combustion will be extended for four years.
The bill increases loan limits to help small businesses develop and purchase efficient technologies and streamlines the information available to small businesses to help them reduce energy costs.
"We have no choice but to radically and immediately change the way our region and country uses energy. For decades the grim realities of our energy resources have been ignored, but this measure takes a new and important direction," added Courtney.
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