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Senate Passes Bill to Reduce Oil Dependency

(National Wildlife Federation)

Statement by Larry Schweiger
President & CEO, National Wildlife Federation
Regarding Passage of Watered Down U.S. Senate Energy Bill

"Today the Senate passed an energy bill that helps reduce America's oil dependency and takes an important step toward reducing global warming pollution. Unfortunately, the bill does not close $13 billion worth of tax loopholes and subsidies for the oil industry and reinvest the money in clean and renewable energy technologies. Earlier in the day, 40 Senators blocked the bill, forcing Senate leaders to jettison the tax provisions.

"Oil companies have given $8 million to Senators over the past four years. Today's action by 40 Senators proved they have gotten their money's worth: $1,600 in tax breaks for every dollar the oil industry has spent in campaign contributions. For a breakdown of oil and gas company contributions to senators who blocked a measure to rollback oil company giveaways, see related documents.

"We applaud the leadership of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who pressed several times for more comprehensive clean energy measures. In the end, Sen. Reid was still able to pass through the Senate the first congressional overhaul of fuel economy standards since the era of the 8-track tape player.

"The bill increases vehicle fuel economy standards by 40 percent and will save consumers $40 billion a year at the pump and help spur innovation and new American jobs. Its improved energy efficiency standards covering a wide range of products, lighting and buildings will also benefit American consumers.

"The Energy Bill also improves provisions that boost homegrown biofuels and reduce our dependency on oil. The improvements include performance-based standards to ensure biofuels significantly curb global warming pollution and help to ease some of the impacts of biofuels production on wildlife and native habitats. National Wildlife Federation has advocated for these additional standards as important protections for the future of wildlife.

"Today's energy bill is an important step, but the work of the U.S. Senate on global warming remains unfinished. The Senate should quickly build on this measure and take up comprehensive legislation that tackles global warming head-on. We must start now and put ourselves on track to reduce pollution by two percent each and every year, ultimately cutting pollution by 80 percent by mid-century. We can do that. The recent Senate Environment Committee victory to approve the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act is another sign that Congress is ready to do more on global warming."

For a breakdown of oil and gas company contributions to senators who blocked a measure to rollback oil company giveaways, see related documents.

Related Documents

• Senate Passes Bill to Reduce Oil Dependency
  Senate Passes Bill to Reduce Oil Dependency