House of Representatives Passes Clean Energy Bill
In a victory for the Democrats, the House of Representatives has passed the Waxman-Markey Clean Energy Bill. Sponsored by Rep. Henry A. Waxman, Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Rep. Edward J. Markey, Chairman of the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, the passage of the bill represents a large and important step towards completing the energy priorities of President Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and others who believe that the emphasis on solutions for climate change are essential for our global future.
The Bill
The Clean Energy Bill has been devised to increase our energy security by reducing our dependency on foreign oil, put a cap on pollution, and revitalize the economy through the creation of millions of new jobs in the Green sector. Key measures in the bill are as follows:
Electric utilities will be required to meet 20% of their electricity demand through renewable energy sources and energy efficiency by the year 2020.
$190 billion to be invested in clean energy technologies and energy efficiency, including energy efficiency and renewable energy, carbon capture and sequestration, electric and other advanced technology vehicles, and scientific research and development .
New energy-saving standards to be mandated for buildings, appliances, and industry.
The reduction of carbon emissions from major U.S. sources by 17% by 2020 and over 80% by 2050 as compared to 2005 levels. (Includes the prevention of tropical deforestation).
Consumers to be protected from energy price increases. According to the Congressional Budget Office and the Environmental Protection Agency, the legislation will cost each household less than 50 cents per day in 2020 (not including energy efficiency savings).
Future Victories
Democrats are viewing the passage of the bill by the House as a direct reflection of how the American public feels about changing energy policy today. Chris Van Holen, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee affirms this by saying, “the American people understand that we can no longer sweep big national problems under the rug and that we had to have an energy policy for the 21st century.”
