Statement of Congressman John D. Dingell, Chairman
Committee on Energy and Commerce

FLOOR STATEMENT
ON H.R. 6, THE ENERGY INDEPENENCE AND
SECURITY ACT OF 2007

December 18, 2007

Mr. Speaker, the legislation before us today takes measurable and concrete steps to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Most importantly, it is a piece of legislation that will be signed into law by the President and as such, it represents a glimmer of hope that we will be able to get beyond the gridlock that has afflicted us in far too many areas.

This is a good bill. Its core is a series of requirements that will improve the energy efficiency of almost every significant product and tool and appliance that we use, from light bulbs to light trucks. We are requiring a 40 percent increase in the fuel economy of our motor vehicles, and we are doing it in a way that gives manufacturers the flexibility they need to get the job done, while preserving American jobs.

The Congress is establishing specific numbers and targets, and including new categories of vehicles, in a comprehensive approach to fuel economy. Along with the efficiency standards for homes, appliances, and lighting, we will be removing 10 billion tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by 2030. That is the equivalent of taking all cars, trucks, and planes off the road and out of the skies for five years.

This legislation is not the final word in energy security or climate change. We are going to need to do more. To be specific, I believe it is possible for us to craft workable renewable energy requirements for our electric utilities and a low carbon fuel standard. Those are matters we will be addressing next year, as we craft comprehensive climate change legislation. But that takes nothing away from today’s achievement, which represents a solid accomplishment and a substantial down payment toward reducing our dependence on foreign sources of oil and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.