FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bill includes first increase in fuel economy standards in over thirty years

Washington, DC – Congressman Paul Hodes spoke on the House Floor today in support of the Energy Independence and Security Act, which then passed the chamber in the early afternoon by a vote of 235 to 181. The bill makes fundamental changes in fuel economy for automobiles, standards for renewable energy production, and tax incentives for alternative energy.
House Passes Historic Energy Legislation to Curb Global Warming

“This legislation represents a historic opportunity to move our country toward a secure future,” Congressman Hodes said. “It declares our energy independence, saves taxpayers money, helps create jobs, and sets us in a new direction.”

The cornerstone of the bill is an increase in required fuel efficiency for vehicles to 35 miles per gallon by 2020. This is the first such increase in over 30 years, and is a step that is supported both by environmental advocacy organizations and by the automobile industry. It is projected that this provision could eventually save New Hampshire families $700 to $1,000 per year at the pump.

In addition, this legislation:

o Requires that 15 percent of our electricity come from renewable sources
o Includes a $21 billion tax incentive package which repeals $13 billion in tax breaks that were needlessly given to profit-rich Big Oil companies and promotes renewable energy through incentives for solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal technologies
o Makes an historic commitment to American-grown biofuels by setting annual targets for biofuel production, including a special requirement for rapidly increasing production from cellulosic biomass, which New Hampshire can produce in abundance from wood chips and other sources.

Congressman Hodes’ amendment to institute a consumer rebate program for renewable energy systems in homes and small businesses was also included in the bill. The Hodes amendment passed the House in August during initial consideration of the bill, and remained in the final version of the legislation today.

“The people of New Hampshire understand that energy independence, our economy, and our national security are inseparable,” Congressman Hodes added. “With this bill, we are taking a firm stand for real security, for healthy families, for a thriving economy, and for a sustainable future for our planet.”


# # #

www.hodes.house.gov