Congressman Cohen Votes for Energy Efficient Legislation
“I am thankful that the President stepped up and did the right thing by signing this historic piece of legislation into law,” said Congressman Cohen. “For the first time since 1975, the Democratic Congress has increased CAFE standards, and I think that’s something that we can all be proud of.”
The finalized agreement between House and Senate leaders requires the Energy Department to begin increasing corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for automobiles, SUVs and light trucks to 35 miles per gallon by the 2020 model year. This represents the first time that Congress has mandated higher CAFE standards since 1975, although they have been raised administratively since then.
“As a sprawled city, a major portion of our problems with carbon emissions and air quality comes from transportation – cars and trucks,” stated Congressman Cohen. “Many Memphians live in neighborhoods far from the city center and must commute to work every day. Raising vehicle mileage standards would save Tennessee consumers more than $549 million at the pump in the year 2020 alone. The Union of Concerned Scientists estimates these provisions would create 170,800 jobs nationwide by 2020 and 3,900 jobs in the state of Tennessee.
“The bill also contains provisions that would greatly benefit solar manufacturing facilities, including Sharp Manufacturing Co. in Memphis, which has a workforce of 800 employees, according to the Memphis Business Journal. The bill authorizes $125 million per fiscal year for the Labor Department to administer grants for training programs for workers in the renewable energy and energy-efficiency sectors, such as solar panel manufacturers and ‘green’ building construction.
“The measure contains a number of provisions that greatly benefit Memphis Biofuels, which operates a 36-million-gallon-per-year biodiesel production facility. The measure authorizes increased bioenergy research funding, beginning with $377 million in Fiscal Year 2008. Furthermore, it requires 36 billion gallons of biofuels to be blended with conventional fuels by 2022.”
The legislation also authorizes $2 billion for a new Energy Efficiency Block Grant Program. Specifically, local governments could use the grants to develop energy-efficiency strategies, hire technical consultants, conduct energy audits and develop conservation programs.
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Contact:
Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, Congressman Cohen (202) 225-3265/ (202) 368-9275
Charlie Gerber, Communications Assistant, (202) 225-3265 / (202) 320-2817