Still Time to Fix the Energy Bill
Thursday, July 12, 2007
The Energy Bill that passed the Senate in June will now be taken up by the House. For the first time in nearly three decades, Senators voted to require the auto industry to make vehicles that are more fuel-efficient. That will help save consumers money at the pump, cut our dependence on oil, and lower global warming emissions. Wayde Schafer with the Dacotah Chapter of the Sierra Club says the Senate bill was a good first step, but he hopes the House will pass a stronger bill that includes a renewable electricity standard.
“Mandating a certain percentage of power coming from renewable sources like wind and solar, that's an important part of an energy package and we are hoping the House adds that.”
Schafer adds that from Trent Lott to Ted Kennedy and everyone in between, the Senate agreed it's time to give America a new energy strategy, and he says North Dakota's Congressional delegation shouldn't cave in to pressure from special interests.
“North Dakota is a key energy player and I think it's important that our Congressional delegation holds firm in taking positive steps towards curbing the global warming pollution.”
Schafer hopes the House will ensure that cars, trucks, and SUVs average 35 miles per gallon by 2020.
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