Congress approves new energy plan
Progress made, but critical provisions omitted
UPDATE:
Since
posting this newsletter, Congress went on to approve an increase in the
gas mileage standard. We applauded the move, and will continue to fight
to increase the use of renewable energy through a federal renewable
energy standard. Click here to read our full analysis of the recent energy bill.
ORIGINAL:
Environment Texas applauded members of our state’s congressional delegation for their role in the Dec. 6 U.S. House vote on clean energy legislation. The bill would have required utilities to get 15 percent of their energy from clean, renewable sources and raised the gas mileage standards to 35 miles per gallon. We backed both steps, most notably by building support to make sure the 15 percent renewable energy standard stayed in the final bill.
Unfortunately, in the face of veto threats from the White House and powerful opposition from oil and coal interests, the Senate pulled the plug on the renewable standard. At press time, the fate of the gas mileage provision, which would cut 424 million tons of global warming pollution by 2030, was uncertain. Along with our allies, we’ll keep fighting for both provisions until they become law.
Environment Texas Director Luke Metzger discussed energy policy with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during her recent visit to Austin.