Clean Energy

This afternoon in Washington, a key congressional committee is expected to take a major step in addressing climate change, energy conservation, renewable energy, and clean energy jobs. The Energy and Commerce Committee’s legislation is one of President Obama’s top three domestic priorities this year, in addition to reforming health care and making college more affordable.

The American Clean Energy and Security Act represents the single greatest effort in our country ever to address climate change and create a sustainable American energy policy.

The bill would

• make new investments in clean vehicle technology,


• improve energy efficiency of appliances and buildings,


• require that more of our energy come from solar, wind and other renewable sources,


• establish a nationwide cap on carbon pollution -- to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 17% by the year 2020.

These policies will drive innovation and are critical elements in our nation's transition to a robust clean energy economy.

Conserving water is a big part of smart energy use. My bill to authorize WaterSense, a program to promote water-saving consumer products, is being considered as part of the legislation.

Summary of the legislation (as introduced).

In addition to this important bill, the President announced this week a major breakthrough on fuel economy – an agreement between 13 states (led by California), car companies and the Administration to increase automotive fuel economy standards to 35.5 mpg by 2016, reducing oil, use consumer costs, and greenhouse gas emissions. This agreement and the energy bill offer great promise for a clean and productive economy.

energyandenvironment fuel efficiency Obama water

Posted by Peake, Amy at 02:53PM | | Comments () | TrackBack (0)

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