House Energy & Commerce Committee Passes Climate Bill

Henry Waxman
The Energy and Commerce Committee approved H.R. 2454, "The American Clean Energy and Security Act," by a vote of 33 to 25.

The American Clean Energy and Security Act will create millions of new clean energy jobs, save consumers hundreds of billions of dollars in energy costs, enhance America's energy independence, and cut global warming pollution. To meet these goals, the legislation has four titles:

1) A clean energy title that promotes renewable sources of energy, carbon capture and sequestration technologies, clean electric vehicles, and the smart grid and electricity transmission.
2) An energy efficiency title that increases energy efficiency across all sectors of the economy, including buildings, appliances, transportation, and industry.
3) A global warming title that places limits on emissions of heat-trapping pollutants. This legislation would cut global warming pollution by 17% compared to 2005 levels in 2020, by 42% in 2030, and by 83% in 2050.
4) A title that protects U.S. consumers and industry and promotes green jobs during the transition to a clean energy economy.

The legislation has received wide support from electric utilities; energy companies; manufacturing, industry, and corporate companies; labor unions; and community and environmental organizations. The Center supports the bill.

Copy of the bill and supporting documents

Summary of the May 18 markup

Summary of the May 19 markup

Summary of the May 20 markup

Summary of the May 21 markup