Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz voted on December 18 in support of a landmark energy bill, the Energy Independence and Security Act. The bill raises fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks for the first time in 32 years and sets our nation in a forward thinking path towards greater energy independence.

Schwartz released the following statement after her vote.

 “With this vote today, Congress is sending President Bush a clear message that the Democratic Congress is moving our nation forward on a new, brighter, greener path. This bill is a historic accomplishment that will substantially reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, while saving American consumers hundreds of dollars annually in their cost at the gasoline pump.” 

“Although this bill is a significant step forward, there is still more work for us to do to further encourage renewable energy and promote energy conservation.

“President Bush and Senate Republican’s obstruction efforts were wrong, out of date, and woefully misguided.

“I intend to keep fighting to ensure that this Congress does everything it can to truly move our nation in a new direction on energy.”

Key Aspects of Landmark Energy Bill

Strengthens American’s National Security

• Increases vehicle fuel efficiency standard to 35 miles per gallon in 2020—the first congressional increase in 32 years.

• 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.

• Expands American-grown biofuels to 36 billion gallons in 2022.

Reduces Global Warming

• Cuts greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 by up to 24 percent of what the U.S. needs to do to help save the planet.

• Increased vehicle fuel efficiency has the equivalent effect of taking 28 million vehicles off the road in 2020.

• Increases the efficiency of buildings, homes, appliances, and lighting, reducing emissions 75 percent as much as increasing vehicle efficiency.

• Makes an historic commitment to American homegrown renewable energy that reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Lowers Energy Costs

• Increased vehicle fuel efficiency will save American families $700 to $1,000 a year at the pump.

• New fuel efficiency standards will produce $22 billion in net annual savings for consumers in 2020.

• Building, appliance, and lighting efficiency will save consumers $400 billion through 2030.

Creates American Jobs

• Massive development of biofuels and cutting-edge energy research will create hundreds of thousands of new jobs.

• Job training will prepare workers for 3 million new ‘green’ jobs over 10 years

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