Republicans block clean energy

Administration undercuts gas mileage standards

As prices at the pump hit previously unimaginable highs this summer Environment Maryland championed policies that would reduce America’s dependence on oil and chart a course for a cleaner, smarter energy future. But 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. These incentives 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 the credits.

This  summer, we worked to make sure that Congress heard from Americans who support critical incentives for renewable energy and efficiency. We activated our members to demonstrate public support for the programs. Sens. Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin both voted in support of the tax credits each time they came to a vote.

Gas mileage standards
In Dec. 2007, Congress passed Environment Maryland-backed increases in gas mileage. The law requires the Bush administration’s 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 Maryland and our national federation, Environment America, in other states 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.

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