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.”