NEWS RELEASE

Committee on Energy and Commerce
Rep. John D. Dingell, Chairman

Energy and Commerce Passes Energy Legislation,
Celebrates Energy Independence Day

Washington, D.C. – The Committee on Energy and Commerce completed a two-day markup of energy legislation yesterday that would remove 8.6 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, an amount equal to the annual emissions of all cars on the road today. The Committee considered six committee prints that were passed last week by the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality. The legislation will now be formally introduced in the House and sent to the Floor for consideration.

“Today is an important step on a path toward achieving our goal of developing a broad, bipartisan energy bill that Congress can approve, industry and environmental groups can live with, and the President can sign,” said Committee Chairman John D. Dingell (D-MI).

The six committee prints adopted by the Committee would:

• Advance the country’s energy efficiency with improved appliance standards, lighting efficiency, and green building codes;
• Enhance the reliability and economy of the country’s electric grid to incorporate communications and control technologies for a richer, more efficient, bidirectional grid;
• Carry out Congressional intent and prohibit the Department of Energy from setting arbitrary limits for loan guarantees that encourage the development of new projects which would reduce or sequester greenhouse gases;
• Create a grant program to increase the availability of renewable fuels and encourage the installation or conversion of supporting infrastructure;
• Encourage the domestic development and production of advanced plug-in hybrids and next generation batteries; and
• Improve State data collection required by the Energy Information Administration to support efficient energy markets.

During the markup, Rep. Dingell also announced targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60 to 80 percent by 2050 and reiterated his intention to address climate change and cap-and-trade in the fall.

“The Congress should, must and will regulate CO2. I will continue to create a bill that does not place unfair burdens on one single group, industry or community,” said Dingell. “Bringing everyone to the table is the best way to secure our future, preserve economic opportunity and protect our natural environment.”

See June 27, 2007 Committee action
See June 28, 2007 Committee action

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