Decent (But Not Perfect) Energy Bill Has More Than A Fighting Chance

US Capitol

Despite fears that the 2007 Energy Bill now being hashed out in Congress could be stripped of key green provisions for the sake of expediency, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has posted a short statement on her site that gives the impression that a deal has been reached with new CAFE standards, a Renewable Energy standard and a Renewable Electricity standard intact; according to David Roberts at Grist.org, the House also intends to extend the Production Tax Credit for solar and wind power (although not for the 10 years that many hoped for). Representative John Dingell (D-Michigan), the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, has dropped his opposition to the new CAFE standards, which will increase fuel efficiency standards for cars and light trucks to 35 mpg. The bill still contains some outrageous giveaways to the coal, oil and nuclear industries, but it’s a HUGE improvement over the last Congressional Energy Bill, which was forged in total secrecy by old-school industry insiders and the Vice President, and was more pork-laden than a Memphis barbeque.

Thanks to everyone who responded to our Energy Bill Call to Action! It seems that your efforts were not in vain.


Posted on Monday, December 3rd, 2007 at 2:41 pm | Tagged in Energy, Legislation, Politics, Renewables | posted by Dina

AddThis Social Bookmark Button   Print Print   Email Email