Republican leadership blocks clean energy
Administration undercuts gas mileage standards
As prices at the pump hit previously unimaginable highs this summer, Environment Maine championed policies that would reduce Maine’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 (see page 4), as the Senate Republican leadership 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 credits 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 Republican leadership has already blocked two attempts to renew the credits.
This summer, we worked to make sure that Congress heard from Mainers who support critical incentives for renewable energy and efficiency. We activated our members and built public support for the programs. As Congress nears the election season recess, we’ll continue our work to renew support for the programs.
Gas mileage standards
In December 2007, Congress passed Environment Maine-backed increases in gas mileage standards. 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 Mainers aren’t concerned about our dependence on oil!”
Environment Maine 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. In June, our Washington, D.C. Energy Advocate Ben Schreiber delivered thousands of public comments on the proposal to NHTSA.
