Energy Independence Act of 2007
Congress has passed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 mandating significant improvements in vehicle fuel economy standards for the first time in a generation. But incentives for clean, renewable energy were left out.
Rapid change in the way we fuel transportation, homes, schools and business is needed if we are to head off global warming in time to avoid sea level rise that will affect millions of people around the world.
The U. S. Congress made some progress toward that goal with passage of the new energy bill. After months of intense debate, the main accomplishment of the legislation is significant increases in vehicle fuel economy standards. In addition to significantly reducing global warming pollution, improved fuel economy will lower consumer costs and reduce U.S. dependence on oil. U.S. auto makers must now begin to build more fuel efficient vehicles.
The coal, oil and gas industry, as well as electrical utilities lobbied against the proposed move toward requiring 15 percent of electricity to come from clean, renewable sources by 2020 and they won. Congress striped that requirement from the bill as well as tax incentives for solar and other clean energy. Fees on the oil industry, which would have supported clean, renewable energy development, also did not survive.
The discussion on energy policy will continue into 2008. Let your representatives know you want strong energy legislation that takes bold steps toward clean, renewable energy production and away from outdated use of fossil fuels.