Tightens Gas Mileage Standards, Cuts Global Warming Pollution, Increases Energy Efficiency   

 

Congresswoman Shelley Berkley voted to pass legislation that will increase energy efficiency, fight global warming and tighten gas mileage standards for the first time in decades.  The House passed the new direction energy package this afternoon on a vote of 314 to 100.

 

“Passage of this legislation places our nation squarely on the path to greater energy independence by tightening gas mileage standards, increasing energy efficiency and decreasing our reliance on imported oil.  Cleaner, more fuel efficient cars will save drivers money at the gas pump, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming.  More energy efficient appliances and light bulbs, combined with more efficient homes and businesses, will cut electricity use, meaning lower power bills for families in Las Vegas and nationwide,” said Berkley.   

  

“After decades of delay, I am proud that we have finally reached agreement on a long overdue increase in CAFE standards.  The result will be more fuel efficient vehicles on America’s roadways, less global warming pollution and a savings for families each time they fill up the gas tank,” said Berkley.       

 

The Energy Independence and Security Act:

 

·        Strengthens national security by lessening U.S. dependence on foreign oil

·        Reduces global warming pollution

·        Lowers energy costs for consumers

·        Creates hundreds of thousands of new jobs and strengthens our economy

·        Supported by a broad bipartisan coalition of state and local elected officials and environmental, labor, faith and business communities.

 

 

 

Strengthens National Security   Ø      Increases vehicle fuel efficiency to 35 miles per gallon in 2020—the first congressional increase in 32 years. Ø      Slashes U.S. oil consumption by more than 4 million barrels per day by 2030—more than twice our daily imports from the Persian Gulf. Ø      Expands American-grown biofuels to 36 billion gallons in 2022.   Reduces Global Warming   Ø      Increased vehicle fuel efficiency has the equivalent effect of taking 28 million vehicles off the road. Ø      Increases the efficiency of buildings, homes, appliances, and lighting, reducing emissions 75% percent as much as increasing vehicle efficiency. Ø      Makes an historic commitment to American homegrown renewable energy that reduces greenhouse gas emissions.   Lowers Energy Costs   Ø      Increased vehicle fuel efficiency will save American families $700 to $1,000 a year at the pump. Ø      New fuel efficiency standards will produce $22 billion in net annual savings for consumers in 2020. Ø      Building, appliance, and lighting efficiency will save consumers $400 billion through 2030.   Creates Jobs   Ø      Massive development of biofuels and cutting-edge energy research will create hundreds of thousands of new jobs. Ø      Job training will prepare workers for 3 million new ‘green’ jobs over 10 years. Ø      Small businesses will be renewable energy leaders.