Ellison Supports Second Comprehensive Energy Bill

Press Release

Congressman Keith Ellison (D-Minneapolis) voted for the second landmarkenergy bill of this Congress. TheComprehensive American Energy Security & Consumer Protection Act passed theHouse of Representatives last evening by a bi-partisan vote of 236-189.

"I am pleased to vote for the most comprehensive energy legislation in two decades. While I'm no fan of drilling expansion, this plan invests in a clean renewable energy future," Ellison stated.

The compromise bill takes an American-owned 21st century comprehensive, clean renewable energy and efficiency approach that:

• Lowers prices for consumers and protects taxpayers;

• Expands renewable sources of energy;

• Increases our security by freeing America from the grip of foreign oil;

• Requires Big Oil to pay what it owes taxpayers;

• Ends unnecessary subsidies to the Big Oil companies earning record profits and reinvests them in renewable energy; and

• Creates good-paying jobs here in America

"I am excited about the major investments in renewable energy investments. Specifically, this legislation also requires power companies to generate 15% of their energy from renewable sources by 2020, and provides tax breaks for wind and solar energy sources, energy efficient homes, plug-in hybrid cars, and fueling stations for natural gas vehicles," the 5th District Congressman said.

"These key investments in renewable energy sources will help create good-paying green jobs here in Minnesota, and America," Ellison concluded.

The legislation was supported by groups as diverse as the Farm Bureau to the Sierra Club.

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