WASHINGTON, DC -- The House of Representatives approved an historic and sweeping bi-partisan energy bill today that will increase automobile fuel efficiency, reduce emissions that cause climate change, and increase America’s independence from foreign oil. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), who authored a portion of the bill relating to the creation of new environmental technology jobs, praised the bill as a major achievement for consumers, the environment and the economy.

The energy bill was approved by a vote of 235 to 181. Miller said it was critical now for the Senate to approve the bill and for the President to sign it into law.

“This is a remarkable day for the American people and for the House as we voted to break the choke-hold of Middle Eastern oil and unleash ourselves from the grip of large oil and auto companies that have opposed energy efficient cars for decades,” Miller said. “It is a remarkable day as this bill sets the stage for economic development following the pioneering example of California by investing in renewable energy and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

“This bill will save consumers billions of dollars when they buy gas, when they buy new appliances, and when they pay their utility bills at home. And our bill would put America on the path to greater energy security and a stronger economy by investing in cleaner, low cost energy technology.

“Less than a year after taking office, Democrats have accomplished what hasn’t happened in over 30 years – raising the fuel economy standard. Our bill raises automobile fuel efficiency standards by 40 percent by the year 2020, increasing the current 25 mpg average to a 35 mpg average for cars and light trucks. Under our bill, Americans will be able to go further on each gallon of gasoline they put into their cars and trucks. We should have done that a long time ago, but we have voted to do so now and the Senate and President should support what we have and support the desires of American consumers to make our cars and trucks more fuel efficient.

“This is a very important bill for both our environment and our economy,” Miller added. “This bill creates millions of jobs in the United States through investment in wind and solar energy, biofuels, efficiency, and conservation. And we’re including the Green Jobs Act, so that clean energy industries can continue to grow with well-trained, highly-skilled workers. This bill helps to take America in a new direction – toward renewable energy and conservation and away from an economy and political system that is dependent on oil, coal, and natural gas.

Among other things, the legislation: