Congress approves new energy plan

Progress made, but critical provisions omitted

UPDATE:

Since posting this newsletter, Congress went on to approve an increase in the gas mileage standard. We applauded the move, and will continue to fight to increase the use of renewable energy through a federal renewable energy standard.

ORIGINAL:

Environment Georgia applauded members of our state’s congressional delegation for their role in the Dec. 6 U.S. House vote on clean energy legislation. The bill would have required utilities to get 15 percent of their energy from clean, renewable sources and raised the gas mileage standard to 35 miles per gallon. We backed both steps, most notably by building support to make sure the 15 percent renewable energy standard stayed in the final bill.

Unfortunately, in the face of veto threats from the White House and powerful opposition from oil and coal interests, the Senate pulled the plug on the renewable standard. At press time, the fate of the gas mileage provision, which would cut 424 million tons of global warming pollution by 2030, was uncertain. Along with our allies across the nation, we’ll keep fighting for both provisions until they become law.