House Passes Energy Independence and Security Act

The House has just passed the Energy Independence and Security Act by a vote of 235-181. The bill will put us on a path toward energy independence--to strengthen national security, lower energy costs, grow our economy and create new jobs, and begin to reduce global warming. It raises fuel economy standards to 35 miles per gallon by 2020 for new cars and trucks -- the first increase in fuel economy standards since 1975, increases the Renewable Fuels Standard to 36 billion gallons in 2022, and requires for the first time that 15 percent of our electricity come from renewable sources. See highlights of the debate >>

Speaker Pelosi: "Earlier today, some of you saw me reference this baseball, signed by Bobby Thompson, the 'shot heard around the world,' October 3, 1951. An historic day in baseball. When he signed this baseball, he referenced a phrase used by Ralph Waldo Emerson referencing the shot fired at Concord which began the Revolutionary War, the fight for American independence. If Bobby Thompson could reference a shot heard 'round the world, we should indeed be able to do it today. This vote on this legislation will be a shot heard 'round the world for energy independence for America."

Congress is taking groundbreaking steps to increase the efficiency of our vehicles, making an historic commitment to American grown biofuels, requiring that 15 percent of our electricity come from renewable sources, and strengthening energy efficiency for a wide range of products, appliances, lighting and buildings to reduce energy costs to consumers. The energy bill repeals tax breaks for profit-rich oil companies, and invest that money in clean renewable energy and new American technologies. Not only would this reduce our dependence on foreign oil, the measure would also save consumers billions of dollars.

Read a detailed summary of the legislation >>

This agreement with the Senate builds on the New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act (H.R. 3221, and H.R. 2776) passed this summer, which includes wide-ranging solutions from 10 House committees. With passage of this measure, we will reduce carbon emissions that cause climate change and increase our energy independence. The House will move forward next year with the next major effort to reduce global warming.