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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 6, 2007
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Contact: Zach Goldberg
202-225-5801 (office) |
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HOLT SUPPORTS HOUSE-PASSED ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND SECURITY ACT
Bill includes Holt’s Intelligent Transportation Systems Initiative
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(Washington, D.C.) – With Rep. Rush Holt’s support, a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives today passed the “Energy Independence and Security Act,” sweeping legislation that would reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil, save consumers billions of dollars, create new jobs, and begin to decrease greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to. The legislation is endorsed by a broad range of business and labor groups, state and local governments, and environmental organizations. The Senate needs to approve the bill.
Among its provisions, the Energy Independence and Security Act would increase the fuel efficiency of vehicles to 35 miles per gallon by 2020, the first increase set by Congress since 1975. It would require the nationwide implementation of a Renewable Portfolio Standard, an effort on which New Jersey has been a national leader. It would also repeal billions in tax subsidies and royalty relief provisions for oil companies and instead invest in the production of renewable energy, including extending the solar energy tax credit.
“This legislation would finally take the long overdue first steps toward addressing global climate change and meeting our long-term energy needs,” Holt said. “While this bill alone is not enough to combat global climate change, I am confident it would move us toward reducing our dependence on foreign fuels, while spurring economic growth and creating new jobs.”
Holt also included a provision that will require the Center for Climate Change and the Environmental Protection Agency to study the potential fuel savings that could be achieved through the use of information technology. This study would review intelligent transportation systems such as Web-based real-time transit information systems, congestion information systems, or carpool information systems, and examine the impact that could have on fuel savings and traffic congestion.
“Intelligent transportation systems help reduce congestion, increase safety, and improve the efficiency of individual commuting and of public transit and commercial vehicles,” Holt said. “The potential fuel savings, best practices, and emerging technologies that can be gained from this system are very attractive. This amendment will allow us to get the most out of these systems.”
A summary of the Energy Independence and Security Act can be found here.
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