Energy Independence: Investing In A Secure Future

A Victory For The American People: Democrats Pass Energy Bill

Click the 'play' button to start video.

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.

Video Archives

Democrats Lead "Greening the Capitol"
June 21, 2007 - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Speaker Nancy Pelosi held a news conference on the "Greening of the Capitol" initiative today. The initiative is a set of recommendations with respect to energy conservation, sustainability, and related matters concerning the Capitol Building that recognizes the full environmental impact of operating decisions on energy and water consumption. Said Senator Reid, "Buildings, including the Capitol, contribute 35% of carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. The new Democratic majority believes we must lead by example. The greening of the Capitol is a long-term process, but the initiatives we propose are all achievable, innovative forward-looking measures that will lower energy costs, protect our environment and save taxpayers money."

Democrats Promote Home-Grown Biofuels to Strengthen Economy, National Security
June 20, 2007 - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senators John Kerry and Evan Bayh joined leaders in new energy technologies today to discuss how energy-efficiency can sharpen America's competitive edge. Democrats are moving ahead this week with The Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007, which will help lower energy costs, create jobs, protect consumers from price-gouging, strengthen national security and reduce global-warming emissions.

"With only three percent of the world's oil reserves in the U.S., we will always rely on unstable regions of the world if we do not reduce our dependence on oil," Reid said. "We have the technology to become a more energy-efficient nation, and we should embrace it. Becoming a leader in new energy technologies will sharpen America's competitive edge, strengthen our security and protect our environment. Despite the prevailing thought of this Administration and many Congressional Republicans, we cannot drill our way to energy independence."

Democrats Promote Home-Grown Biofuels to Strengthen Economy, National Security
June 15, 2007 - Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle joined Senators Jeff Bingaman, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and Amy Klobuchar today to discuss the Senate's energy legislation that would strengthen the economy, strengthen national security and protect the environment. Representatives from the National Farmers Union, Renewable Fuels Association, National Biodiesel Board and National Corn Growers Association will also discuss the need to promote biofuels to create jobs and make America more energy independent.

Home-grown biofuels can accelerate our transportation sector's transition to energy sources beyond imported petroleum. In crafting policies to promote economical, feedstock-diverse biofuels production, H.R. 6 expands and improves upon existing Federal renewable-fuels policies, and addresses infrastructure- and competition-related issues that impact wholesale and retail distribution of biofuels throughout the country.

Senate Democrats Embrace Energy Efficiency
June 15, 2007 - The Senate Democratic leadership team released a report highlighting the energy-savings potential for American families that embrace energy efficiency. Senators Harry Reid, Chuck Schumer, Dick Durbin and Patty Murray of the Senate leadership joined by Joint Economic Committee (JEC) members Senators Bob Casey and Amy Klobuchar held a news conference this week to discuss a report that shows that families that take advantage of energy efficient practices, appliances and vehicles could save over $1,600 each year while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and our nation's dependence on foreign sources of energy.

The report shows improving efficiency could save the average family $750 a year in house hold energy costs and $75 a year on gasoline costs. Increased efficiency would also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and U.S. dependence on foreign sources of energy.

Senate Democrats Champion Renewable Energy
June 13, 2007 - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senator Jeff Bingaman, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, held a press conference today to discuss the need for a national Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) for the production of electricity. An RPS, already law in 22 states and D.C., requires utilities to supply a specific percentage of electricity from renewable sources of energy such as wind, solar, biomass and geothermal.

Sens. Reid and Bingaman are long-time champions for renewable energy. Bingaman plans to offer an RPS amendment as part of the energy legislation that currently is being debated in the Senate. His plan would create a renewable standard of 15 percent by 2020. Senate Democrats believe that whenever Congress can do something that achieves important environmental goals, energy security goals and energy diversification goals - while also generating substantial economic benefits for our nation - it should. Read more.

Reid Outlines Democrats' Energy Plan... Senate Democrats Push Legislation To Punish Gas-Price Gougers
June 12, 2007 - Senators Maria Cantwell and Ken Salazar held a press conference today highlighting the importance of passing federal legislation that punishes gas-price gougers as part of a comprehensive energy bill will protect consumers, increase our energy independence, strengthen the economy and reduce global warming emissions.

Reid Outlines Democrats' Energy Plan
June 11, 2007 - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke yesterday at a summit that brought the Democratic Caucus together with top manufacturing executives, labor leaders and other experts from around the nation to discuss the future of domestic manufacturing. Senator Reid made the push for an innovative energy policy that increases the nation's production and use of renewable fuels, improves the energy efficiency of buildings and products, increases CAFE standards on vehicles, and advances research on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. "The energy bill the Senate will take up next week will save consumers money, protect them from gas price-gouging, and make our country safer and more economically sound by decreasing our reliance on oil - especially from unstable regions," said Senator Reid.

Reid Promotes Energy Independence to the Manufacturing Sector
June 7, 2007 - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke yesterday at a summit that brought the Democratic Caucus together with top manufacturing executives, labor leaders and other experts from around the nation to discuss the future of domestic manufacturing. Senator Reid made the push for an innovative energy policy that increases the nation's production and use of renewable fuels, improves the energy efficiency of buildings and products, increases CAFE standards on vehicles, and advances research on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. "The energy bill the Senate will take up next week will save consumers money, protect them from gas price-gouging, and make our country safer and more economically sound by decreasing our reliance on oil - especially from unstable regions," said Senator Reid.

A Strong Push for Energy Independence
May 23, 2007 - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senators Jeff Bingaman, Barbara Boxer, Maria Cantwell and John Kerry held a press conference today to discuss the Senate Democrats' energy package that will increase our energy independence, strengthen the economy, reduce global warming emissions and protect consumers. Democrats' plan will punish gas price-gougers, make the government a model of energy efficiency, increase our supply of biofuels, and quickly bring clean and affordable renewable fuels to market.

Democrats to Move Forward With Energy Bill...
May 9, 2007 - Senate Democrats today discussed their commitment to punishing price-gougers at the gas pumps and other energy issues facing the country at a press conference today. Senators Maria Cantwell, Dick Durbin, Charles Schumer, Byron Dorgan, Bernie Sanders and Amy Klobuchar expressed their support for two measures, one that will punish price-gougers and another that increases our supply of biofuels.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said today that he will move forward with these bills after the Senate finishes its debate on immigration. Reid said the legislation would help protect consumers, increase our energy independence, strengthen our economy and reduce global warming.

» Watch the video.


Home New Direction on Energy Independence Multimedia DPC Fact Sheets DPC Events Pennsylvania Washington Newsroom Get Involved	A Victory For The American People: Democrats Pass Energy Bill Click the 'play' button to start video. 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. Video Archives Democrats Lead "Greening the Capitol" June 21, 2007 - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Speaker Nancy Pelosi held a news conference on the "Greening of the Capitol" initiative today. The initiative is a set of recommendations with respect to energy conservation, sustainability, and related matters concerning the Capitol Building that recognizes the full environmental impact of operating decisions on energy and water consumption. Said Senator Reid, "Buildings, including the Capitol, contribute 35% of carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. The new Democratic majority believes we must lead by example. The greening of the Capitol is a long-term process, but the initiatives we propose are all achievable, innovative forward-looking measures that will lower energy costs, protect our environment and save taxpayers money." Democrats Promote Home-Grown Biofuels to Strengthen Economy, National Security June 20, 2007 - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senators John Kerry and Evan Bayh joined leaders in new energy technologies today to discuss how energy-efficiency can sharpen America's competitive edge. Democrats are moving ahead this week with The Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007, which will help lower energy costs, create jobs, protect consumers from price-gouging, strengthen national security and reduce global-warming emissions. "With only three percent of the world's oil reserves in the U.S., we will always rely on unstable regions of the world if we do not reduce our dependence on oil," Reid said. "We have the technology to become a more energy-efficient nation, and we should embrace it. Becoming a leader in new energy technologies will sharpen America's competitive edge, strengthen our security and protect our environment. Despite the prevailing thought of this Administration and many Congressional Republicans, we cannot drill our way to energy independence." Democrats Promote Home-Grown Biofuels to Strengthen Economy, National Security June 15, 2007 - Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle joined Senators Jeff Bingaman, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and Amy Klobuchar today to discuss the Senate's energy legislation that would strengthen the economy, strengthen national security and protect the environment. Representatives from the National Farmers Union, Renewable Fuels Association, National Biodiesel Board and National Corn Growers Association will also discuss the need to promote biofuels to create jobs and make America more energy independent. Home-grown biofuels can accelerate our transportation sector's transition to energy sources beyond imported petroleum. In crafting policies to promote economical, feedstock-diverse biofuels production, H.R. 6 expands and improves upon existing Federal renewable-fuels policies, and addresses infrastructure- and competition-related issues that impact wholesale and retail distribution of biofuels throughout the country. Senate Democrats Embrace Energy Efficiency June 15, 2007 - The Senate Democratic leadership team released a report highlighting the energy-savings potential for American families that embrace energy efficiency. Senators Harry Reid, Chuck Schumer, Dick Durbin and Patty Murray of the Senate leadership joined by Joint Economic Committee (JEC) members Senators Bob Casey and Amy Klobuchar held a news conference this week to discuss a report that shows that families that take advantage of energy efficient practices, appliances and vehicles could save over $1,600 each year while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and our nation's dependence on foreign sources of energy. The report shows improving efficiency could save the average family $750 a year in house hold energy costs and $75 a year on gasoline costs. Increased efficiency would also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and U.S. dependence on foreign sources of energy. Senate Democrats Champion Renewable Energy June 13, 2007 - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senator Jeff Bingaman, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, held a press conference today to discuss the need for a national Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) for the production of electricity. An RPS, already law in 22 states and D.C., requires utilities to supply a specific percentage of electricity from renewable sources of energy such as wind, solar, biomass and geothermal. Sens. Reid and Bingaman are long-time champions for renewable energy. Bingaman plans to offer an RPS amendment as part of the energy legislation that currently is being debated in the Senate. His plan would create a renewable standard of 15 percent by 2020. Senate Democrats believe that whenever Congress can do something that achieves important environmental goals, energy security goals and energy diversification goals - while also generating substantial economic benefits for our nation - it should. Read more. Senate Democrats Push Legislation To Punish Gas-Price Gougers June 12, 2007 - Senators Maria Cantwell and Ken Salazar held a press conference today highlighting the importance of passing federal legislation that punishes gas-price gougers as part of a comprehensive energy bill will protect consumers, increase our energy independence, strengthen the economy and reduce global warming emissions. Reid Outlines Democrats' Energy Plan June 11, 2007 - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke yesterday at a summit that brought the Democratic Caucus together with top manufacturing executives, labor leaders and other experts from around the nation to discuss the future of domestic manufacturing. Senator Reid made the push for an innovative energy policy that increases the nation's production and use of renewable fuels, improves the energy efficiency of buildings and products, increases CAFE standards on vehicles, and advances research on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. "The energy bill the Senate will take up next week will save consumers money, protect them from gas price-gouging, and make our country safer and more economically sound by decreasing our reliance on oil - especially from unstable regions," said Senator Reid. Reid Promotes Energy Independence to the Manufacturing Sector June 7, 2007 - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke yesterday at a summit that brought the Democratic Caucus together with top manufacturing executives, labor leaders and other experts from around the nation to discuss the future of domestic manufacturing. Senator Reid made the push for an innovative energy policy that increases the nation's production and use of renewable fuels, improves the energy efficiency of buildings and products, increases CAFE standards on vehicles, and advances research on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. "The energy bill the Senate will take up next week will save consumers money, protect them from gas price-gouging, and make our country safer and more economically sound by decreasing our reliance on oil - especially from unstable regions," said Senator Reid. A Strong Push for Energy Independence May 23, 2007 - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senators Jeff Bingaman, Barbara Boxer, Maria Cantwell and John Kerry held a press conference today to discuss the Senate Democrats' energy package that will increase our energy independence, strengthen the economy, reduce global warming emissions and protect consumers. Democrats' plan will punish gas price-gougers, make the government a model of energy efficiency, increase our supply of biofuels, and quickly bring clean and affordable renewable fuels to market. Democrats to Move Forward With Energy Bill... May 9, 2007 - Senate Democrats today discussed their commitment to punishing price-gougers at the gas pumps and other energy issues facing the country at a press conference today. Senators Maria Cantwell, Dick Durbin, Charles Schumer, Byron Dorgan, Bernie Sanders and Amy Klobuchar expressed their support for two measures, one that will punish price-gougers and another that increases our supply of biofuels. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said today that he will move forward with these bills after the Senate finishes its debate on immigration. Reid said the legislation would help protect consumers, increase our energy independence, strengthen our economy and reduce global warming. » Watch the video.