Holt Supports Energy Independence and Security Act – Urges Congress to Continue Work on Energy Issues

Press Release

HOLT SUPPORTS ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND SECURITY ACT - URGES CONGRESS TO CONTINUE WORK ON ENERGY ISSUES

With Rep. Rush Holt's support, a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives today passed the "Energy Independence and Security Act." The bill, which includes changes from the Senate, would increase the fuel efficiency of vehicles to 35 miles per gallon by 2020, the first increase set by Congress since 1975. It also includes energy efficiency savings and creates hundreds of thousands of jobs through the development of biofuels and cutting-edge energy research. The bill would save more than twice the amount of oil currently imported from the Persian Gulf and reduce by nearly a quarter the projected greenhouse gas emissions cuts needed to avert the effects of global warming, both by 2030. However, the final version does not require the nationwide implementation of a Renewable Portfolio Standard or repeal billions in tax subsidies for oil companies.

"This bill is an important first step toward reducing our dependence on foreign fuels, cutting energy costs for families, and addressing global climate change. However, it could have been a better bill, and I am disappointed that the bill voted on today fails to repeal tax giveaways for oil companies and apply that money to renewable energy," Holt said. "Congress must continue its work on this issue - there is more we can and should do to meet our long-term energy needs."

The Energy Independence and Security Act also includes Holt's provision to require the Center for Climate Change and the Environmental Protection Agency to study the potential fuel savings that could be achieved through the use of information technology. This study would review intelligent transportation systems such as Web-based real-time transit information systems, congestion information systems, or carpool information systems, and examine the impact that could have on fuel savings and traffic congestion.

President Bush is expected to sign the legislation this week.

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