Earthjustice Praises Energy Bill Passage

Energy Independence and Security Act will save energy, help curb global warming

Contacts

Marty Hayden, Earthjustice, (202) 667-4500, ext. 218

The following is a statement from Marty Hayden, Earthjustice Vice President for Policy & Legislation regarding the passage today of the “Energy Independence and Security Act.”


“Earthjustice applauds the leadership of Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), the House Committee Chairs, as well as the many clean energy champions in the House whose hard work led to the passage today of the Energy Independence and Security Act. This historic legislation creates a new path for a clean energy future for America that will help curb global warming, save energy, reduce oil consumption and create hundreds of thousands of green jobs. 


“The bill includes the first increase for automobile fuel standards in over three decades, to 35 miles per gallon by 2020. This provision will both save oil and help address global warming by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.


“Another landmark provision contained in bill is the Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) that establishes a national standard that 15% of our electricity come from renewable sources. This important policy sets the stage for decreasing our nation’s reliance on dirty fossil fuels, like coal, that contribute significantly to global warming.


“We also want to commend all the leaders on this bill for placing the new renewable fuels provisions in the Clean Air Act, which is key for protecting public health. In addition, the elimination several tax breaks for the nation’s wealthiest oil companies is an important part of this legislation.” 

Additional Resources

About Earthjustice

Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people's health, to preserve magnificent places and wildlife, to advance clean energy, and to combat climate change. We are here because the earth needs a good lawyer.