House Energy Package Promotes Renewables, Efficiency, & Protects National Security

North Carolina Democrats in are making America energy independent, curbing global warming, and developing America's economy through renewable energy. North Carolina Democrats joined a bipartisan majority of the House of Representatives Saturday evening to pass two landmark energy bills.

The bills making up the House Energy Independence Initiative - H.R. 3221, New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act and H.R. 2776, the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2007 - will make historic investments in biofuels and new energy technologies, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and strengthen research and diplomatic efforts on climate change to protect the planet.

"America must lead the world in the use, development, and production of renewable energies to reduce global warming and end our reliance on foreign oil. Our Nation's energy policy must be focused on securing our long-term energy future and being good stewards of God's creation, not protecting the profits of Big Oil companies," said Rep. Heath Shuler. "These energy bills will strengthen our national security, create jobs, and protect consumers."

The Energy Independence Initiative closes loopholes that offer incentives for business to purchase Sports Utility Vehicles and repeals billions of dollars in tax subsidies and royalty relief provisions for big oil companies.

The House Energy Independence Initiative also fully incorporates the Small Energy Efficient Business Act (SEEBA), H.R. 2389, which had passed the Small Business Committee with unanimous support earlier this year. This provision will help small businesses develop energy efficient practices and spurs investment in the production of alternative energy by small businesses by expanding the Small Business Investment Corporation.

"I am extremely pleased that this important legislation has been included in the Energy Independence Initiative. We are going to continue helping our rural small businesses lead the development of renewable energy, grow, and prosper," Rep. Shuler continued.

The Energy Independence Initiative also contains energy efficiency provisions that 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.