News Picks

Saturday, December 15, 2007

LCV Applauds Senate Passage of Energy Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: David Sandretti, (202) 785-8683 or david_sandretti@lcv.org



More Work Needed to Cut Tax Subsidies for Big Oil, Encourage Investment in Clean, Renewable Energy



WASHINGTON, DC - League of Conservation Voters President Gene Karpinski issued the following statement regarding the Senate 's passage of the energy bill:




"The U.S. Senate should be applauded for passing a much-needed energy bill
that is a significant first step toward increasing fuel efficiency standards for our automobiles to 35 miles per gallon by 2020. We urge President Bush to sign the bill after the House passes it. The bill is not perfect. It was stripped of provisions that would have required that 15 percent of our electricity come from clean, renewable energy sources by 2020. And at a time when the oil industry is enjoying near-$100 per barrel oil and record profits, the Senate by one vote earlier today sided with Big Oil and against the American people and the environment. Voting 59-40, a minority of senators blocked an attempt to repeal billions of dollars in tax giveaways to the oil industry and invest that money instead in clean renewable energy for the future. LCV will continue to fight for these critical issues in future legislation,and will work to elect more pro-environment senators who will side with the planet and future generations over the interests of Big Oil and Big Coal."
###


The nonprofit League of Conservation Voters (LCV) is the independent political voice for the environment. To secure the environmental future of our planet, LCV's mission is to advocate for sound environmental policies and to elect pro-environmental candidates who will adopt and implement such policies.

Kerry C. Duggan

Campaigns Project Manager

League of Conservation Voters

1920 L Street, NW #800

Washington, DC 20036

Direct: (202) 454-4592

Mobile/text: (734) 846-0093

kerry_duggan@lcv.org