FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 27 FEBRUARY 2007
CONTACT: David Willett, 202.675.6698
Josh Dorner, 202.679.7570
Sierra Club Cheers House Passage of Renewable Energy, Consumer Energy Savings Incentives
Quick Senate Action Urged to Avoid Slowdown,
Job Losses in Renewable Energy Industry
Washington, D.C.—Today by a margin of 236 to 182, the House of Representatives passed an $18 billion package of incentives for the production of clean, renewable energy; credits for the purchase of hybrid cars; and incentives to improve the efficiency of homes, buildings, and appliances. The bill renews crucial renewable energy incentives that are in danger of expiring at the end of this year. The bill will create tens of thousands of new clean energy jobs, stimulate the economy with billions in new investments, and bring affordable clean energy to American consumers. The bill avoids new deficit by repealing taxpayer-funded giveaways to Big Oil.
Statement of Carl Pope, Sierra Club Executive Director
"The House acted today to make us more energy independent, create thousands of new clean energy jobs, stimulate the economy, increase the production of affordable clean energy, and attack our growing energy crisis head-on. Speaker Pelosi and our leaders in Congress have made this issue a top priority and they are to be congratulated for the progress they have made toward helping us realize the promise offered by a clean energy economy.
"Consumers are begging for relief and this bill offers some mercy from crippling energy costs. It will save American families money on their energy bills and help make energy efficient appliances, hybrid cars, and efficient homes more affordable for all consumers. This is good for the economy, good for the environment, and is essential now more than ever.
"We urge the Senate to take up and pass this measure without delay. We have labored for nearly a year to get this vital legislation passed and will now redouble our efforts to secure the votes necessary to move it through the Senate and on to the President’s desk. In addition to our efforts on Capitol Hill, we have launched a grassroots campaign and will soon begin a series of advertisements in key states across the country.
"Failing to extend these incentives soon will endanger billions of dollars in investments and put more than 100,000 hardworking Americans out of a job in the wind and solar industries alone. Make no mistake—a vote against this bill is a vote to kill jobs and stunt economic growth.
"With oil trading at a startling $102, gas prices charging toward a new record, and ExxonMobil raking in a record $40 billion in profits last year, it is unconscionable that any Member would side with Big Oil instead of their constituents. Our energy system is badly broken and this bill takes some long overdue steps toward fixing it."
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