Feinstein Joins Democrats in Announcing Sweeping New Energy Legislation
California Political Desk
/May 18, 2006
The Clean EDGE Act will help make America energy independent by 2020.
Washington, DC — U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today joined
with Senate Democrats to unveil sweeping new legislation to take charge
of America’s energy future.
The plan, the Clean EDGE Act of 2006, is a comprehensive bill that will
put America on the road to energy independence by 2020. The Senators
also released a letter to President Bush signed by 43 Senate Democrats
calling on the president to join Democrats in support of the five main
principles of the Clean EDGE Act to break America’s dependence on
foreign oil.
The American people know that the policies of the past have given this country the energy crisis of the present. Democrats are committed to jump-starting the energy policies of the future, and the Clean EDGE Act calls for a major investment in the research, development, and production of the alternative energy vehicles, fuels, and technologies that will break our nation’s addiction to foreign oil.
The bill will launch an aggressive effort to:
o Increase the number of alternative fuel vehicles sold;
o Protect consumers from gas price gouging and market manipulation;
o Reduce our dependence on fossil fuels;
o Put the Federal government in the lead in reducing our dependence on foreign oil; and
o Level the playing field for new renewable and energy efficient technologies.
“The Clean EDGE Act is a major step forward on America’s path to energy independence,” said Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid. “Our nation’s energy problem is not new. It has taken years of failed policies to get us to the present crisis. Fortunately, Democrats have a comprehensive solution. With this bill, and under our leadership, America will be energy independent by 2020.”
“The recent spike in gas prices is one more illustration of why our nation needs to end its addiction to oil,” Senator Feinstein said. “We need hybrids on the road, alternative fuels, new technologies, and real leadership. It’s not time for more of the same. It’s time for a fresh approach -- one that will lead to higher fuel economy, less reliance on foreign oil, and a major reduction in greenhouse gases. This is the major challenge of this century. How we address this issue will shape our nation’s future.”
This new legislation is the latest in EI2020, the campaign to make America energy independent that Democrats announced last October. Democrats believe that skyrocketing gas prices and the national security risk of America’s oil addiction make an immediate campaign for energy independence all the more important. With the nation’s security at risk, it is time for a new direction and the Clean EDGE Act.
Fact Sheet
The Clean EDGE Act of 2006
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