-Congress Passes The American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454)-

Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. John Hall (D-Dover) today voted to revitalize America's economy by creating millions of new jobs, increase our national security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil, and preserve our environment. The American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) that Hall voted for and that passed the House of Representatives today with a bipartisan vote is major comprehensive energy legislation that is expected to create more than 100,000 new jobs in New York State.

"Doing nothing on energy policy is not an option," said Congressman Hall. "Doing nothing, like we did during the Bush-Cheney Administration, caused our national security to weaken, dependence on Middle East oil to grow, average American household energy costs to increase by $1,100 and the slowest job growth of any administration in 75 years."

The American Clean Energy and Security Act will significantly reduce dangerous pollution by limiting emissions from electric utilities, oil refineries, and other major sources. It also promotes all forms of American clean energy, including wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass. It supports private investment in cleaner coal technology and new efficient American vehicle technology. The legislation also creates an opportunity for farmers, allowing them to earn carbon offsets in exchange for planting trees, preserving existing forests, practicing sustainable farming methods, and other stewardship activities.

This bill is the same type of market-based American solution that was successfully put into place to fight acid rain with the bipartisan Clean Air Act in 1990. That legislation led to a 10 percent decrease in electricity rates and 16 million new jobs.

"Americans are the people that put a man on the moon," said Hall. "I firmly believe that we as a nation possess the creativity, the innovation and the drive to lead the world in a new clean energy economy. The American Clean Energy and Security Act is going to be the first step to creating this American-made clean energy technology. This landmark legislation will eliminate the need to buy millions of barrels of oil from foreign dictators and give us, our children, and our grandkids a chance at living in a healthy and safe environment. This bill will help stop the flow of U.S. gas dollars to the Middle East, and invest in a diverse, comprehensive American energy portfolio."

With a combination of price spike protections, energy refunds and cost-saving technology, this bill will protect consumers, keep costs low, and protect current jobs by helping energy-intensive industries transition to a cleaner, more profitable future. According to the EPA, the legislation would cost a typical American household less than a postage stamp per day (44 cents), or less than $111 a year. Lower income households will see no new costs; in fact the Congressional Budget Office found that they would actually save $40 per year with the plan. This legislation will not increase the deficit.

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