Washington, DC (December 6, 2007) – Today, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) joined a majority in the House of Representatives to pass historic legislation that would increase America’s energy independence and provide relief to families struggling with sky-high gas prices.
“For too long, our energy policy has been out of touch with the economic, environmental, and geopolitical realities that America faces,” Hinojosa said. “This bipartisan solution finally recognizes the need to diversify our energy supply, invest in clean energy, and better protect our economy. We are moving our country on the path toward energy security and providing much-needed aid to Texas consumers.”
After decades without a change in mileage standards, the bill would boost the fuel efficiency of vehicles to 35 miles per gallon by 2020. This is the first increase in a generation and is widely supported by environmentalists and the auto industry. By modernizing fuel standards, American families would save at least $700 per year at the pump. The change would also reduce greenhouse gases by an amount equal to taking 28 million of today's cars and trucks off the road.
In addition, the measure makes a historic commitment to alternative clean energy, thereby reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil. It invests in American-grown biofuels and requires that 15 % of the nation’s electricity come from renewable sources by 2020. If signed into law, the landmark legislation would save consumers billions of dollars by implementing new energy efficiency standards for a wide range of products, appliances, lighting, and buildings.
“Throughout our history, America has prospered thanks to an abundant supply of affordable energy. But if we want to remain a global leader, we cannot continue to take these resources for granted,” Hinojosa said. “This bill acknowledges that we must find new ways to fuel our economy so that our future competitiveness does not suffer.”
The bill would generate new American jobs as well, training workers for 3 million new “green” jobs over the next decade. It would encourage America’s innovators to embrace renewable energy by pouring savings from tax provisions into clean energy and new American technologies. It also promotes renewable energy through tax incentives for solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal technologies and supports cutting-edge research.
“As the nation’s largest producer of wind energy, Texas is set to gain from Congress’s unprecedented investment in clean energy technologies,” Hinojosa said. “The many Texas farmers who grow crops that can be converted into biofuels will also reap the benefits of this ambitious effort.”