Lofgren Votes to Invest in Energy Independence

Bill Closes Loopholes for Big Oil, Uses Funds for Alternative Energy Research

Media Contact: Kyra Jennings, 202.225.3072, kyra.jennings@mail.house.gov

Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) today voted to pass H.R. 6, the CLEAN Energy Act of 2007, that will repeal $14 billion in subsidies and tax breaks for oil companies in order to invest in clean renewable fuels and energy efficiency measures. H.R. 6 passed today by a vote of 264 to 163, and is the final element of the House Democrats’ 100 Hours Agenda.

“Climate change is threatening the stability of our planet and scientists agree that human activities are the driving force behind the rise in global temperatures. We have a responsibility to safeguard the world’s natural resources and foster emerging technologies,” said Rep. Lofgren. “This bill is a first step on a path towards the creation of clean, renewable energy alternatives that will make our country energy independent and curtail one of the major causes of global warming.”

H.R. 6 will ensure oil companies that were awarded the 1998 and 1999 leases for drilling pay their fair share in royalties, and would close tax loopholes created in the Republican-crafted 2005 energy bill. Using these savings, the bill would create a Strategic Renewable Energy Reserve to invest in clean, renewable energy resources and alternative fuels, promote new energy technologies, develop greater efficiency and improve energy conservation.

“H.R. 6 will help spur the development of clean, renewable energy and alternative fuels by investing in American ingenuity,” Rep. Lofgren continued. “I have no doubt that the innovative minds in Silicon Valley will play a key role in producing the new technologies that are needed. H.R. 6 is a good first step forward in the effort to curb global warming.”