Bill Will Reduce Dependence on Foreign Oil & Save American Consumers Billions

 Washington, D.C.-  Today Congressman Higgins (NY-27) voted to pass the Energy Security Act, historic and sweeping legislation to increase American energy independence, strengthen national security, lower energy costs, create new jobs, and reduce global warming.

 “I applaud the passage of this landmark legislation that will put America on the path towards energy independence,” Congressman Higgins said.  “As the price of gas in New York State has soared to $3.28 per gallon- a 130% increase since 2001- this bill could not come at a more critical time.”

The Energy Independence and Security Act will increase vehicle fuel efficiency to 35 miles per gallon in 2020—the first congressional increase in 32 years – and slash U.S. oil consumption by more than 4 million barrels per day by 2030.This is the first increase in a generation and is supported by environmentalists, labor groups and the automobile industry. 

The legislation also expands the use of American-grown biofuels to 36 billion gallons in 2022 increases the efficiency of buildings, homes, appliances, and lighting. All totaled it cuts greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 by up to 24 percent.

The legislation will save money for American consumers and strengthen the economy. Increased vehicle fuel efficiency is expected to save American families $700 to $1,000 a year at the pump and the new building, appliance, and lighting efficiency will save consumers $400 billion through 2030. Additionally, the development of biofuels and support for cutting-edge energy research will create hundreds of thousands of new jobs.   In New York State alone this legislation could create 8,200 jobs and save families $894 million at the pump in 2020.

The Senate passed the bill on December 13 by a vote of 86 to 8.  House passage of the bill sends it to the President's desk.  The White House has indicated that the President will sign the bill.