UPDATE: Here’s a good piece from Grist on the bill>> This is a completely ridiculous quote: “‘The Democrats are so focused on saving the planet that they’re not focused on saving America,’ said Rep. Phil Gingry (R-Ga.).”
Last night, the House voted 236-189 to widen offshore oil and gas exploration, expand renewable energy incentives, and end $18 billion in subsidies to oil companies.
While this bill is certainly a compromise
Sens. Evan Bayh (D-IN), Susan Collins (R-ME), Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) are the latest additions to the bipartisan Senate group.
Senator Webb has not yet committed to the Gang of 20, so we’re trying to send him a message that we want him to stay committed to clean, renewable energy. You can email him now and help us out: Email Senator Webb>>
The compromise to Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s energy bill — the New Energy Reform Act — includes new multi-billion dollar giveaways to the oil, coal, and nuclear industries mixed with largely symbolic measures for energy efficiency and renewable energy to give the appearance of “balance.” While the proposal would extend tax credits for clean energy, it is only a continuation of the status quo while enormous new benefits are heaped on traditional energy industries.
The bill would dramatically expand oil drilling, give away over $10 billion to liquid coal, grant billions in subsidies to nuclear power, and does not deliver on renewable energy, energy efficiency, or public transportation.
Take a minute to email Senator Webb and urge him to stay committed to a clean energy future!
Email Senator Webb>>
Here’s how our representatives voted on the House bill:
Maryland
Aye MD-1 Gilchrest, Wayne [R]
Aye MD-2 Ruppersberger, C.A. [D]
Aye MD-3 Sarbanes, John [D]
Aye MD-4 Edwards, Donna [D]
Aye MD-5 Hoyer, Steny [D]
Nay MD-6 Bartlett, Roscoe [R]
Aye MD-7 Cummings, Elijah [D]
Aye MD-8 Van Hollen, Christopher [D]
Virginia
Nay VA-1 Wittman, Rob [R]
Nay VA-2 Drake, Thelma [R]
Aye VA-3 Scott, Robert [D]
Nay VA-4 Forbes, James [R]
Nay VA-5 Goode, Virgil [R]
Nay VA-6 Goodlatte, Robert [R]
Nay VA-7 Cantor, Eric [R]
Aye VA-8 Moran, James [D]
Aye VA-9 Boucher, Frederick [D]
Nay VA-10 Wolf, Frank [R]
Nay VA-11 Davis, Thomas [R]
