House Passes Broad Energy Bill, But Senate Fails to Consider Measure

Yesterday the House passed an extensive energy bill that raises fuel-efficiency standards for the first time in 32 years, requires the use of renewable fuels for electricity generation, and provides support for small businesses looking to create the innovations that will serve as the basis for our energy future. However, today the Senate failed to muster enough votes to close debate on the bill as it was passed by the House.

The Washington Post reports that the House legislation would: "raise automobile fuel-efficiency standards for the first time in 32 years and require increased use of renewable energy sources to generate electricity." The measure would require auto manufacturers' vehicle fleets to average 35 miles per gallon by 202o. Also by 2020, the nation's utilities would have to derive 15 percent of the electricity they generate from renewable energy sources, including solar, wind power, and biomass.

Additionally, the House measure includes key measures from H.R. 2389, The Small Energy Efficient Business Act (SEEBA), introduced by Congressman Heath Shuler (NC-11). The included provisions provide loans, education and investment to small businesses to help them reduce their consumption of power through the use of more efficient technology and direct capital investment to producers of renewable fuels, spurring expansion, job creation and new ideas throughout the sector.

It is expected that the Senate will reconsider the bill on Tuesday. The new version of the bill that will likely omit the requirement for electric utilities to use renewable energy.