As Energy Bill Passes Senate, Sen. Menendez Highlights Benefits For NJ, The Environment

Press Release

AS ENERGY BILL PASSES SENATE, SEN. MENENDEZ HIGHLIGHTS BENEFITS FOR NJ, THE ENVIRONMENT

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) voted in favor of the CLEAN Energy Act of 2007, which included various proposals authored and supported by the senator. The bill, which passed by a vote of 65-27, is widely considered to be an overhaul of current energy policy, taking the first step in transforming our economy from one based on fossil fuels to one based on clean, renewable energy including such provisions as raising CAFÉ Standards from 25 to 35 miles per gallon by Model Year 2020.

"With the passage of this bill, we are steering America on a new course towards a greener, healthier, and more affordable future," said Menendez. "This energy package will help us achieve energy self reliance, lower gasoline prices, and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. I applaud my colleagues for supporting this vital legislation."

Off-Shore Drilling

Menendez led the successful effort to block Sen. John Warner's amendment to allow off-shore drilling off the coast of Virginia, less than 100 miles from New Jersey's shores (http://menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=277038). Senator Menendez and a group of coastal senators threatened a filibuster in order to require the measure to reach a 60 vote threshold. It was soundly defeated.

"Drilling less than 100 miles off the Jersey Shore is bad for our state's environment, our state's economy and our nation's dependence on oil," said Menendez. "Some believe that the best way to move forward with energy legislation is to expand our reliance on oil by opening up new drilling arenas. I could not disagree more. Our oil dependence is a threat to our security and a threat to the environment. We need to focus our attention to transition away from an oil-based economy, not make ourselves more dependent on oil."

Block Grants

The legislation included Menendez's provision that would create an Energy and Environmental Block Grant program to fund energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at the local level.

"As a former mayor, I recognize the impact that local action has on global problems," said Menendez. "This program will allow cities and counties to get federal grants to make their buildings more efficient, create new renewable energy projects and continue their leadership in reducing U.S. carbon emissions."

Puerto Rico

Menendez also sponsored an amendment to make Puerto Rico eligible for the Federal Weatherization Program, which enables low-income families to permanently reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. The amendment was inserted into the bill by unanimous consent.

"The Weatherization Program helps thousands of low-income families keep their energy costs down and also helps the environment by making energy consumption more efficient," said Menendez. "It is time we help the low-income families of Puerto Rico gain access to this vital program."

Taxes

Menendez also expressed dismay that the tax provisions of the bill could not overcome Republican opposition. The tax portion of the legislation would have shifted over $30 billion in government hand outs to oil companies and convert them into tax credits for renewable energy and other efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"The Senate Republicans today made it quite clear they are still the party of big oil. They would rather help oil companies pad their record profits instead of helping make our country more secure and a better steward of the environment," said Menendez.

Menendez also co-sponsored the following amendments accepted into the Energy legislation:

-DRIVE Electric Amendment to encourage innovation in vehicles thus reducing dependence on oil. The amendment would expand research and development into plug-in hybrid technologies so one day soon our cars can be fueled in part by electricity.

-25x25 Amendment which states that it is the Sense of Congress that America's agricultural, forestry and working lands should provide 25% of the total energy consumed in the United States from renewable sources by the year 2025.

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