Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007

ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND SECURITY ACT OF 2007 -- (Extensions of Remarks - December 12, 2007)

SPEECH OF
HON. BETTY McCOLLUM
OF MINNESOTA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2007

* Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Energy Independence and Security Act. With this legislation, the new Democratic Congress is leading America in a new direction on energy policy.

* This is the most significant energy bill in a generation. The House is taking a major step toward ending our dependence on foreign oil by increasing efficiency standards for cars and trucks for the first time in over 30 years. This will reduce America's need for oil by 1.1 million gallons per day, cut emissions almost 27 million tons per year, and save Minnesota families up to $1,000 every year.

* The Energy Independence and Security Act is Congress's most serious effort to combat global climate change to date. The bill includes the first ever national Renewable Energy Standard requiring utilities to generate at least 15 percent of the electricity we use from renewable sources, including wind, solar, biomass and geothermal sources. In addition, it also implements landmark energy efficiency standards for appliances, lighting, and buildings, which will significantly reduce our emissions, while saving American families and businesses billions of dollars in unnecessary energy costs.

* By setting new priorities, the House can do all this while also cutting costs for consumers and creating millions of new high-paying, high-skill ``green'' jobs. This legislation repeals $21 billion in taxpayer subsidies for highly profitable oil and gas companies and redirects these needed resources into developing America's new clean energy economy. This money will be invested in research and development so that American auto makers will produce the next generation of hybrid and electric cars. It will allow 3 million Americans to receive job training for new green jobs, and provide assistance for small businesses to reap the benefits of this growing industry. It will ensure that power plants become cleaner through tax credits for investments in clean power and the long overdue implementation of carbon capture and sequestration technologies. Moreover, Minnesota farmers will benefit from its historic commitment to homegrown biofuels--replacing Middle East crude with Midwest crops.

* It is time to make America more secure, more prosperous and more environmentally sustainable. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting a new direction in energy policy.

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