House Energy Bill: ‘One Small Step for Efficiency, One Giant Leap for Production’ | Alliance to Save Energy

House Energy Bill: ‘One Small Step for Efficiency, One Giant Leap for Production’

The Alliance to Save Energy News

House Energy Bill: ‘One Small Step for Efficiency, One Giant Leap for Production’

Release Date: Thursday, April 10, 2003

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.

“To make matters worse, the House is expected to ratify the Ways and Means Committee’s decision to strip the bill of tax credits for hybrid cars. With such actions, the House rejects a rare opportunity to simultaneously boost America’s economic health, national security, and environmental well-being through energy-saving measures.

“The bill’s $2,000 tax credit for energy efficient new homes and energy-efficiency improvements to existing homes, as well as energy-efficiency standards for traffic lights, vending machines, and the like, strike a few positive notes in a bill that otherwise fails to harness the power of energy efficiency.

“The House bill also guts proposed tax incentives for efficient appliances, commercial buildings, and other needed efficiency technologies.

“This wrong-headed bill even outdoes its weak 2001 predecessor in ignoring the fact that energy efficiency is the quickest, cleanest, cheapest way to save energy, protect the environment, and reduce oil imports.”

Energy Efficiency: What’s In and What’s Out of H.R. 6

IN:

  • Tax credits for efficient new homes
  • Tax credits for upgrading existing homes
  • Equipment standards
  • Federal energy management

OUT:

  • Fuel Economy
  • Requirement to cut U.S. oil consumption
  • Tax credits for hybrid vehicles
  • Tax credits for efficient appliances
  • Tax credits for “smart” meters and other needed energy efficiency technologies
  • Tax breaks for commercial buildings
  • “Public Benefits Fund” for electricity consumers

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