House Passes Polis Provisions In Historic Energy Bill

Press Release

House Passes Polis Provisions In Historic Energy Bill

Continuing his strong advocacy for reforming our nation's energy infrastructure and curbing global climate change, Congressman Jared Polis today urged his colleagues to support H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act, including two amendments added by Polis.

"Colorado is a national leader in clean energy and we know the benefits that this industry brings to our economy and environment," said Polis. "This bill sets the stage for our country to lead in the international arena. Without it, we run the risk of becoming dependent on not only the Middle East, but also Denmark, Germany, and China—nations who are all beating us in clean energy production."

In addition to creating new clean energy jobs, enhancing America's energy independence, and combating global climate change, this bill will:

Require electric utilities to meet 20% of their electricity demand through renewable energy sources and energy efficiency by 2020. The energy efficiency provisions in the House energy and climate bill (H.R. 2454) could save $750 per household by 2020 and $3,900 per household by 2030, according to an analysis by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

Invest in new clean energy technologies and energy efficiency, including energy efficiency and renewable energy ($90 billion in new investments by 2025), electric and other advanced technology vehicles ($20 billion), and basic scientific research and development ($20 billion).

Protect consumers from energy cost increases. Between 2001 and the recession that began in December 2007, the typical annual American household expenditure for energy rose by $1,130 because of failed status quo policies. This bill allocates 55% of revenues raised by the bill, not through a tax but through the market, to consumer protection. Along with other oversight provisions, the bill requires by law that companies don't pass compliance costs to consumers.

Reduce carbon emissions from major U.S. sources 17% by 2020 and over 80% by 2050 compared to 2005 levels. The cap in this bill will be the single greatest market signal we can send to spur investment and innovation moving our country towards a clean energy future.

This act builds upon the green energy stimulus initiatives of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. According to the Center for American Progress, Colorado would gain 28,000 new jobs and $2.6 billion in revenue, even after accounting for a reduction in fossil fuel spending equivalent to the increase in clean energy investments.

As Vice Chairman of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), "nicknamed the Green Dogs," a focused, action-based caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, Polis has had a front row seat in the bill's debate, meeting with congressional leadership, industry, environmental and labor leaders, Secretary of Energy Stephen Chu, and countless others to strengthen the bill.

This landmark legislation included two provisions proposed and sponsored by Polis.

Polis' first amendment ensures that states and local governments are able to invest the allowances they receive in their State Energy and Environmental Development (SEED) accounts—accounts created by the bill with revenue going for state energy departments—directly to renewable energy generators. This amendment will ensure that investments in solar and wind will have the best and most efficient impact, creating jobs and expediting renewable energy use.

Polis' second amendment would establish a clean energy career training clearinghouse to aid institutions by providing federal resources, expertise, information and points of contact in establishing and maintaining quality training programs. This amendment will give community colleges and workforce training programs much-needed resources and a central point of contact, a critical step as more schools establish jobs training programs that incorporate clean energy technology.

"The clean energy economy represents another historic opportunity and a major pathway out of poverty for troubled American families," said Polis. "By promoting environmental and climate literacy and working to make "green" jobs training more easily accessible for a broad audience, my amendments will help ensure that rather than being left behind, low-income and dislocated workers can participate in the green revolution that this bill supports."

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