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Republicans block clean energy

Administration undercuts gas mileage standards

As prices at the pump hit previously unimaginable highs this summer, Environment Virginia championed policies that would reduce America’s dependence on oil and chart a course for a cleaner, smarter energy future. Meanwhile President Bush dragged his feet on new mileage standards and pushed for offshore drilling as the Senate Republicans blocked efforts to renew programs that encourage investment in clean, renewable energy.

Investing in clean energy

In 2005, Congress passed energy production and solar investment tax credits that provide tax incentives for large-scale renewable energy producers and have proven to be one of the most significant and effective investments the federal government has made in clean energy. Unfortunately the programs will expire at the end of this year, and Senate Republicans have already blocked two attempts to renew them.

This summer, we worked to make sure that our state delegation heard from Virginians who support critical incentives for renewable energy and efficiency. We activated our members, and went door-to-door to identify public support for the programs. As Congress nears the election-season recess, we’ll continue our work to renew support for the programs.

Gas mileage standards

In December 2007, Congress passed Environment Virginia-backed increases in gas mileage. The law requires the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to set “the highest gas mileage standard technologically and economically feasible.” In June of this year, NHTSA Administrator Nicole Nason proposed the slowest and lowest standard allowed under the law—35 mpg by 2020.

“Administrator Nason’s explanation is that people don’t want cars that get any better gas mileage,” said Energy Program Director Rob Sargent. “But the agency’s calculations are based on the fanciful notion that gas costs $2.32 a gallon and Americans aren’t concerned about our dependence on oil!”

Environment Virginia called on NHTSA to conduct public hearings to listen to citizens’ concern about dependence on oil, global warming, and the high price at the pump. In June, Washington, D.C. Energy Advocate Ben Schreiber delivered thousands of public comments to NHTSA.

Senate Republicans blocked two programs that would promote clean, renewable energy.