Lots of people have so many great questions about the 2007 Energy Bill coming up and what the NET coalition is doing to push through an aggressive energy bill that would push CAFE standards for cars to 35 mpg by 2020 and the percentage of electricity in the US provided by renewable sources of electricity to 15% by 2020 that we have put together a list of answers:
1. What exactly is this 2007 Energy Bill that I have been reading about lately?
The 2007 Energy Bill is an important piece of legislation awaiting ratification in Congress. It includes several elements that would crub the mount of energy used in the US and reduce dependence on foreign oil. Two main issues in this energy bill would be an increase in standards to 15% renewable electricity by 2020. This would entail more alternate energy source such as wind and solar power. One of the more debated elements of the bill is the 35 mpg by 2020 fuel efficiency standard. Which would mean that all cars and light trucks would need to reach this capacity by 2020.
2. What is the difference between a couple of mpg in cars over the next 15 years?
Although the drop in the standard that the auto alliance is demanding 32 mpg by 2022 does not seem like a lot but it adds up if you look at the numbers the Union of Concerned Scientists calculated (published in "Energy Bill Must Guarantee Real Oil Savings" ,Sept,.2007). The barrels of oil saved per day with the auto lobby proposal would be 500,000 versus 1.2 million which would be saved with the Senate's 35 mpg by 2020 standard. What does this mean for the American consumer? The savings would be $11 billion with the lower standards and $25 Billion with the Senate's.
3. Why should I find this important to my family?
This is important to every American family who wants to see the world we live in maintained a beautiful place. New alternative energy sources would mean less dependence on fossil fuels drastically lowering the amount of pollution emitted every day. This bill is aimed at helping the entire planet and if America finally steps up to the plate and passes this energy bill it could set the example for other rapidly industrializing countries. This would ensure a brighter future for families around the world.
4. What is the most effective way to communicate my opinion to congress?
The National Coalition for the Environment has set up a petition allowing every American citizen a quick and easy way to let their voice be heard by their representatives. It is conveniently available online at http://www.energybill2007.org/.
5. How does Power Shift 2007 relate to the energy bill? If it does.
Power Shift 2007 was a student lobbying initiative that reached out to Congress in person on Monday November 5th as well as organizing other events to raise environmental awareness. They were on the Hill on November 5th speaking to Congress about the importance of creating strong environmental policy and endorsed several environmentally friendly bills including the 2007 energy bill. Check out Lobby Day, http://www.smnr.us/lobbyday
Please sign the petition. Learn more about CAFE standards from Click and Clack, the guys from Car Talk, Tom and Ray Magliozzi. Also, see how much this matters, especially to students who will be inheriting the future of the planet during their Lobby Day during which students took to the Hill and lobbied the House and the Senate.
Post new comment