Energy Independence: Investing In A Secure Future

A Victory For The American People: Democrats Pass Energy Bill

June 22, 2007 - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senator Dick Durbin, Jeff Bingaman, John Kerry and Maria Cantwell hailed the passage of an energy bill that will save consumers money, protect them from gas price-gouging, create new jobs and make our country safer - all while taking steps to reduce global warming. "With strong bipartisan support, we passed an energy bill that will grow our economy, strengthen our national security and protect our environment," said Senator Reid on passage of the legislation. He added, "We put the common good over corporate greed by protecting consumers from price gouging and supply manipulation."

Democrats' energy legislation puts America on a path toward reducing our reliance on oil by increasing the nation's use of renewable fuels and, for the first time in decades, significantly improving the fuel efficiency of cars and trucks.

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A Strong Push for Energy Indepedence

Democrats are committed to achieving greater energy independence - an issue this Administration has failed to adequately address.

Democrats believe we must reduce our nation's dependence on foreign and unsustainable energy sources and curb the risks of global warming by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.

In the coming weeks, we will move forward with bipartisan legislation that will increase the production of clean renewable fuels, improve energy efficiency, punish gas price gougers and support research on greenhouse gas capture and storage.

For too long, this Administration has made it a priority to give tax breaks to oil and gas companies even as prices have doubled and oil company profits have soared. While providing lip service about our growing addiction to oil, the Administration's disastrous economic, energy and foreign policies have contributed to the escalation and volatility of gas and energy prices.

Democrats have different priorities. We are trying to implement better policies that will deliver a clean, affordable and secure energy future.

Our strategy puts our national security, economy and environment ahead of oil company profits. And it recognizes that the time to act is now, as the threats to energy security and national security increasingly overlap.

National Security

Each day we continue to rely on Middle East energy is one more day we remain vulnerable to that region's volatility. Democrats' plan will enhance America's security by reducing our nation's dependence on foreign and unsustainable energy sources, making America more energy independent and secure by the year 2020.

This strategy establishes strategic energy partnerships with the governments of major energy producers and major energy consumers, petroleum crisis response mechanisms with other governments, and a regionally-based energy cooperation forum.

Economy

Our reforms lower energy prices, protect consumers and strengthen the economy by banning manipulative practices in the wholesale petroleum markets. It also gives the President the authority to declare a temporary national energy emergency that triggers a prohibition on price gouging punishable by federal penalties.

Domestic production of clean renewable fuels is not simply a short-term stimulus. It offers sustainable solutions by creating and keeping jobs in America, supporting America's farms and factories.

Environment

Our legislation will curb the risks of global warming by achieving reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases. It requires the oil industry to start producing clean, renewable fuels in America and to diversify the use of efficient and environmentally friendly energy supplies and technologies. It also increases energy efficiency standards for federal agencies and buildings and sets national goals for reducing gasoline usage.

The cleaner our power sources, the fewer pollutants we produce and the easier our communities and our children breathe.

Check back here in the coming weeks for important updates as our legislation moves through Congress and Democrats work to establish more energy independent policies for our country, its environment and economy.


Home New Direction on Energy Independence Multimedia DPC Fact Sheets DPC Events Pennsylvania Washington Newsroom Get Involved	June 22, 2007 - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senator Dick Durbin, Jeff Bingaman, John Kerry and Maria Cantwell hailed the passage of an energy bill that will save consumers money, protect them from gas price-gouging, create new jobs and make our country safer - all while taking steps to reduce global warming. "With strong bipartisan support, we passed an energy bill that will grow our economy, strengthen our national security and protect our environment," said Senator Reid on passage of the legislation. He added, "We put the common good over corporate greed by protecting consumers from price gouging and supply manipulation." Democrats' energy legislation puts America on a path toward reducing our reliance on oil by increasing the nation's use of renewable fuels and, for the first time in decades, significantly improving the fuel efficiency of cars and trucks. » Watch the video » More videos: Energy Multimedia Archive A Strong Push for Energy Indepedence Democrats are committed to achieving greater energy independence - an issue this Administration has failed to adequately address. Democrats believe we must reduce our nation's dependence on foreign and unsustainable energy sources and curb the risks of global warming by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. In the coming weeks, we will move forward with bipartisan legislation that will increase the production of clean renewable fuels, improve energy efficiency, punish gas price gougers and support research on greenhouse gas capture and storage. For too long, this Administration has made it a priority to give tax breaks to oil and gas companies even as prices have doubled and oil company profits have soared. While providing lip service about our growing addiction to oil, the Administration's disastrous economic, energy and foreign policies have contributed to the escalation and volatility of gas and energy prices. Democrats have different priorities. We are trying to implement better policies that will deliver a clean, affordable and secure energy future. Our strategy puts our national security, economy and environment ahead of oil company profits. And it recognizes that the time to act is now, as the threats to energy security and national security increasingly overlap. National Security Each day we continue to rely on Middle East energy is one more day we remain vulnerable to that region's volatility. Democrats' plan will enhance America's security by reducing our nation's dependence on foreign and unsustainable energy sources, making America more energy independent and secure by the year 2020. This strategy establishes strategic energy partnerships with the governments of major energy producers and major energy consumers, petroleum crisis response mechanisms with other governments, and a regionally-based energy cooperation forum. Economy Our reforms lower energy prices, protect consumers and strengthen the economy by banning manipulative practices in the wholesale petroleum markets. It also gives the President the authority to declare a temporary national energy emergency that triggers a prohibition on price gouging punishable by federal penalties. Domestic production of clean renewable fuels is not simply a short-term stimulus. It offers sustainable solutions by creating and keeping jobs in America, supporting America's farms and factories. Environment Our legislation will curb the risks of global warming by achieving reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases. It requires the oil industry to start producing clean, renewable fuels in America and to diversify the use of efficient and environmentally friendly energy supplies and technologies. It also increases energy efficiency standards for federal agencies and buildings and sets national goals for reducing gasoline usage. The cleaner our power sources, the fewer pollutants we produce and the easier our communities and our children breathe. Check back here in the coming weeks for important updates as our legislation moves through Congress and Democrats work to establish more energy independent policies for our country, its environment and economy.