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

“Earthjustice applauds the leadership of Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-MD), and all of the House and Senate Committee Chairs whose hard work over these many months has led to today’s final passage of the Energy Independence and Security Act.

“This historic legislation contains the first increase in automobile fuel economy standards in over three decades. The 35 mile-per-gallon standard established in the bill will save oil and help curb global warming by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions from our cars and light trucks.

“As Americans prepare to make their New Year’s resolutions for 2008, it’s heartening to see Congress make one to curb our collective oil addiction by getting us farther on a gallon of gas.

“The bill also contains new energy efficiency standards for a number of appliances and light bulbs that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using the energy we produce more wisely.

“We also want to commend all the leaders on this bill for retaining the expansion of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) under the Clean Air Act, which is vital for protecting public health, and for including other environmental safeguards as part of the proposal.

“However, we were disappointed that the landmark 15 percent Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) that passed the House fell to short-sighted obstructionism by some members of the Senate. We look forward to working with Congress to ensure that this important policy becomes law in the coming year.”