Today, the House is debating two Energy Independence bills - H.R. 3221, New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act and H.R. 2776, the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2007.
See earlier coverage in the Gavel>>Chairman Dingell on the Energy and Commerce portion of the bill:
| Chairman Dingell: "The legislation represents here the work of 10 committees. In a portion of the legislation written by Energy and Commerce, there is not a single provision that a member would feel justified in opposing. The legislation from the Commerce Committee sets appliance standards for buildings and other devices and appliances which in full force will save 10 million tons of emissions of carbon dioxide, more than the annual emmissions of any car on the road in this country."
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Chairman Lantos on making the United States the world's leader in the fight to save the planet:
| Chairman Lantos: "Climate change presents a challenge to all of humanity. The bill before us today includes several groundbreaking international provisions to ensure America's role as the world's leader in the fight to save the planet, not as a reluctant and grudging participant."
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Chairman Waxman on federal government leading the way in reducing emissions:
| Chairman Waxman: "To make a difference on global warming we must be bold and realistic at the same time...To avoid dangerous global warming, scientists say we have to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. This legislation asks the federal government to lead the way by reducing emissions to meet annual targets and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050."
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Chairwoman Velazquez on the positive impact this legislation has on small businesses :
| Chairwoman Velazquez: "Small businesses are the primary leaders in renewable fuel sectors, already making up more than 75% of biofuel producers...this legislation is a giant step forward in increasing the supply of energy while also creating smart usage. By voting for this bill, we can reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions, all while making sure our economy is moving in the right direction."
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Rep. Tierney on the "green jobs" created by this bill:
| Rep. Tierney: "This innovative proposal, green jobs, will make $120 million available to begin training workers - available to begin training workers. They can provide for them secure employment in this country. Until now the United States has not really had a coherant strategy to address the growing labor shortage and demand to these green and clean energy sectors. This will help a broad cross-section of workers get into these areas. They can provide living wages and upward mobility."
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