The New Direction Congress has finalized the Energy Independence and Security Act, an historic bill to make America more energy independent, respond to the global warming crisis, and grow our economy. Record high prices for oil—with prices at the pump more than double the price in 2001, and heating oil costs triple that of 2001—add urgency. The legislation:
Strengthens National Security
Increases vehicle fuel efficiency to 35 miles per gallon in 2020—the first congressional increase in 32 years.
Slashes U.S. oil consumption by more than 4 million barrels per day by 2030—more than twice our daily imports from the Persian Gulf.
Expands American-grown biofuels to 36 billion gallons in 2022.
Reduces Global Warming
Cuts greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 by 24 percent of what is needed to save the planet.
Increased vehicle fuel efficiency has the equivalent effect of taking 28 million vehicles off the road.
Increases the efficiency of buildings, homes, appliances, and lighting, reducing emissions 75 percent as much as increasing vehicle efficiency.
Makes an historic commitment to American homegrown renewable energy that reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Lowers Energy Costs
Increased vehicle fuel efficiency will save American families $700 to $1,000 a year at the pump.
New fuel efficiency standards will produce $22 billion in net annual savings for consumers in 2020.
Building, appliance, and lighting efficiency will save consumers $400 billion through 2030.
Creates Jobs
Massive development of biofuels and cutting-edge energy research will create hundreds of thousands of new jobs.
Job training will prepare workers for 3 million new ‘green’ jobs over 10 years
Small businesses will be renewable energy leaders.
