REP. WALZ BACKS LANDMARK ENERGY LEGISLATION

12/20/2007

Bill Will Make Vehicles More Efficient, Cut Energy Costs and Fight Global Warming


Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Walz backed the Energy Independence and Security Act, landmark energy legislation that will make America more energy independent, cut energy costs for families, reduce global warming, and grow our economy. The historic legislation was passed by a vote of 314-100 and will be sent to the President, who is expected to sign the bill into law tomorrow.

"For too long, Congress has failed to address our energy challenge, and consumers in southern Minnesota have paid the price," said Walz. "Today, the Democratic-led Congress made key energy reforms a reality."

Walz continued, "Families are paying too much at the gas pump and our nation has been weakened by our dependence on oil from the Middle East. Our bill will end our reliance on foreign oil, invest in rural America, save money for families and help fight global warming."

The Energy Independence and Security Act will increase vehicle fuel efficiency to 35 miles per gallon in 2020-the first congressional increase in 32 years - and slash U.S. oil consumption by more than 4 million barrels per day by 2030. The legislation also expands the use of American-grown biofuels to 36 billion gallons in 2022 and increases the efficiency of buildings, homes, appliances, and lighting.

The legislation will also save money for American consumers and strengthen the economy. Increased vehicle fuel efficiency will save American families $700 to $1,000 a year at the pump and the new building, appliance, and lighting efficiency will save consumers $400 billion through 2030. Additionally, the development of biofuels and support for cutting-edge energy research will create hundreds of thousands of new jobs.

The bill is backed by a broad coalition of individuals and organizations from the environmental, labor, faith and business communities.