Rep. Wasserman Schultz Supports New Energy Independence Plan

(Washington, DC) – Today Rep. Wasserman Schultz (FL-20) joined a majority in the House of Representatives in support of landmark energy independence legislation (H.R. 3221 and H.R. 2776) that will help make our nation more secure, create new American jobs, reduce energy costs to consumers, and fight global warming. 

“This Energy legislation protects our environment, creates American jobs, and invests in bio-fuels such as cellulosic ethanol which can be produced in Florida, helping to end our dependence upon foreign oil,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “Living in a region heavily dependent upon trade and tourism it is vital that we end our dependence on foreign oil, while protecting our environment for future generations.” 

The bills approved by the House today strengthen national security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil, making the largest investment in homegrown biofuels in history and repealing giveaways to big oil companies. The legislation also supports cutting edge-research and the development of new technologies that will bring down energy costs and help create new jobs.

Rep. Wasserman Schultz, in her role as Chairwoman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations, included provisions that advance the Greening of the Capitol plan announced earlier this year. The legislation provides for the replacement of incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs within the House of Representatives, permits the installation of an E-85 ethanol pump on the Capitol grounds and shifts the fuel used to heat and cool the House of Representatives from coal to Natural Gas. 

“Implementing these important first steps at the Capitol signal we are not only doing the right thing, but we are taking steps that will eventually save money,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “It is vital that we in Congress lead by example and invest in technologies that not only reduce pollution, but will save taxpayers money in the long run.”

The bills also work to make America a world leader in the fight to end global warming and protect our planet. The efficiency provisions in this bill alone will reduce emissions by as much as 10.4 billion tons through 2030 — more than the annual emissions of all of the cars on the road in America today. It also calls on the U.S. to re-engage and lead the global effort on a binding global warming agreement. 

“Global warming has serious implications for South Florida and this legislation will reduce emissions that contribute to this problem,” added Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “Our legislation helps make the United States a world leader in the effort to stop global warming and preserve our planet.”

The legislation also closes loopholes that offer incentives for business to purchase gas-guzzling vehicles and repeals $23 billion in tax subsidies and royalty relief provisions for big oil companies. 

The Democratic Energy Independence Initiative capped a term of remarkable accomplishment and progress for the Democratic-led House of Representatives. Under the Democratic Congress, Americans will get: the first minimum wage increase in ten years, fiscally responsible spending bills that restore deficit reduction discipline and millions of low-income children will receive health care and health insurance.