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December 7, 2007
Obstruction Alert - 58 and Counting
Bush Republicans continued their record-setting obstruction today by blocking consideration of an energy bill that would increase fuel efficiency standards in cars and trucks as well as providing new tax incentives to increase the production of renewable fuels. Bush Republicans have forced 58 cloture votes this year, fast-approaching the record of 61 for a two-year term. It is clear from their actions that Bush Republicans are more interested in blocking progress than doing the work of the American people.
Bush Republicans blocked bill to improve America's energy independence, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy sources:
The Energy Independence and Security Act Increases Fuel Efficiency Standards. Because Congress has not mandated an increase in fuel economy standards for passenger cars since 1975, the Energy Independence and Security Act requires the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to increase the average fleet fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks to 35 miles per gallon by 2020. The provision that increases CAFE standards is supported by a wide range of groups including auto manufacturers, labor, and environmental groups. [HR 6, 2007; Democratic Policy Committee: Democratic Energy Bill Promotes Energy Independence, Saves Taxpayer Money, and Protects the Environment, 12/6/07]
The Energy Independence and Security Act Creates a Groundbreaking Renewable Fuels Standard And Offers Incentives for Hybrid Vehicles. The Energy Independence and Security Act expands the renewable fuels standard to 9 billions gallons by 2008 and progressively increases the requirement to 36 billion gallons by 2022. Additionally, the measure makes a historic commitment to develop cellulosic ethanol, by mandating that by 2022 the U.S. produce 21 billion gallons of advanced biofuels. With respect to hybrid vehicles, the measure establishes a plug-in hybrid/electric vehicle tax credit for individuals and encourages the domestic development and production of advanced technology vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles. [HR 6, 2007; Democratic Policy Committee: Democratic Energy Bill Promotes Energy Independence, Saves Taxpayer Money, and Protects the Environment, 12/6/07]
The Energy Independence and Security Act Creates a National Renewable Electricity Standard. To date, twenty-five states, including the District of Columbia, have enacted their own mandatory renewable portfolio standard. The measure requires utility companies to generate 15 percent of electricity from renewable sources, such as wind, biomass, wave, tidal, geothermal and solar, by 2020. In addition, the measure permits utilities to meet up to 4 percent of their target through energy efficiency. [HR 6, 2007; Democratic Policy Committee: Democratic Energy Bill Promotes Energy Independence, Saves Taxpayer Money, and Protects the Environment, 12/6/07]
The Senate will convene at 9:30 a.m. Following Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each. The Majority will control the first 30 minutes and the Republicans will control the next 30 minutes.
