The Alliance to Save Energy’s analysis of pending energy legislation reveals that it is more notable for what is missing than for what is included. The analysis compares and contrasts the bill the House passed last month with the Senate energy bill now under debate on the Senate floor and the energy-efficiency tax package adopted on a bipartisan basis by the Senate Finance Committee.

Senators Sticking Heads in Sand

By failing to deal with fuel economy and other energy-efficiency needs, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee has failed American consumers and their pocketbooks, our environment and national security, the Alliance to Save Energy said today.

Statement of Alliance to Save Energy President David M. Nemtzow (based on H.R. 6, prior to final passage)

“As the House considers the energy bill, it has already failed to address our nation’s growing and deadly oil dependence by defeating an amendment that would have required a mere 5 percent increase in fuel economy by 2010. H.R. 6 is one small step for efficiency, one giant leap for production.

Statement of Alliance to Save Energy President David M. Nemtzow

"With the nation at war and our economic future uncertain, the Alliance to Save Energy commends the Senate Finance Committee for today adopting several provisions to promote the market for energy-efficient products. We wish the Finance Committee had done more for energy efficiency – which is the quickest, cleanest, cheapest way to save energy, protect the environment, and reduce oil imports – and we will work with Committee leaders to improve the bill when it reaches the Senate floor.

Statement of Alliance to Save Energy President David M. Nemtzow

“The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has squandered the opportunity to reverse the 22-year decline in passenger vehicle fuel economy.

“The NHTSA rule – calling for a mere 1.5 mile-per-gallon increase in fuel economy, and only for light trucks, from 2005 to 2007 – doesn't even match what the Big 3 automakers already committed to on a voluntary basis. It will do virtually nothing to reverse the nation's growing and deadly dependence on foreign oil.

As oil and gas prices reach record levels in anticipation of war with Iraq, and as national security interests dictate reducing American oil dependence, the Alliance to Save Energy applauds the energy efficiency tax credits introduced today by the bipartisan leadership of the Senate Finance and Energy Committees.

Given that every oil price shock in U.S. history has been followed by a recession, Congress must tap the potential of energy efficiency to help the U.S. economy, the environment, and national security, Alliance to Save Energy President David M. Nemtzow told the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources today.

“We commend President Bush’s proposal for a long-term federal commitment to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and urge him also to advocate immediate steps to reduce the nation’s oil dependence.

“While the country awaits the hydrogen-powered cars of 20 or more years from now, the President should be increasing fuel economy standards for cars, SUVs, and pickups and urging Americans to purchase and drive hybrid gas-electric vehicles that are in auto showrooms right now.

Statement of Alliance to Save Energy President David M. Nemtzow

"President Bush’s FY 2004 budget request calls for significant cuts in energy efficiency at a time when we can least afford it. With U.S. oil imports steadily increasing and the global climate deteriorating, we need both immediate progress and long-term solutions.

The Alliance to Save Energy came down hard on the Bush Administration’s proposal to allow huge tax breaks of up to $75,000 for businesses and self-employed people who purchase gas-guzzling SUVs. The proposed tax deduction for purchases of "capital equipment" is part of the president’s economic stimulus plan.