SENATE APPROVES COMPREHENSIVE ENERGY BILL
News Date December 18, 2007
The Senate overwhelmingly approved a comprehensive energy bill (H.R. 6) on December 13 that provides the largest overhaul of the nation's energy policies in decades. The energy legislation has been stalled in Congress for almost a year and lawmakers are expected pass the package for adjourning this week.
The energy legislation would increase the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) to 36 billion gallons by 2022 from the current level of nine billion gallons. For the first time in decades, the bill would increase the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFFÂ) standard for automobiles and light trucks to 35 miles per gallon by 2020. The energy package also reduces energy consumption by increasing the efficiency standards for home appliances.
The Senate action came after recent House action and lawmakers removed billions of dollars in tax incentives for renewable energy. President Bush had threatened to veto the legislation over the tax provisions. Farm-state lawmakers said ethanol fuels mandate contained in the energy package would be a win for agriculture producers. (Contact: Charlie Ingram)