New and revised language in the Chairman’s Mark released today:
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Specifies distribution of emissions allowances;
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Ensures that the majority of investments in the bill are for consumer protection;
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Includes new provisions to address clean coal technology;
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Increases investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy;
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Reduces greenhouse gas emissions and increases investments in the transportation sector;
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Enhances agriculture and forestry provisions;
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Directs assistance to rural communities;
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Includes greater assistance for small and medium refineries;
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Enhances the role of tribes;
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Increases the size of the market stability reserve; and -
Promotes advanced renewable fuels.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also released a detailed economic analysis of The Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act that found no significant change in the estimated cost to American families, compared with H.R. 2454, the Waxman-Markey legislation passed this summer by the House of Representatives. EPA’s analysis of the House bill found that “average household consumption would be reduced by less than 1% in all years” compared with a business-as-usual scenario, and estimated the overall impact on the average household would be 22 to 30 cents per day ($80 to $111 per year).
On Tuesday, October 27, the Environment and Public Works Committee will start comprehensive legislative hearings on the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act. Senators will hear testimony from nine panels totaling 54 witnesses over the course of three days. Senator Boxer has indicated that the EPW Committee will mark up the legislation as soon as possible following the completion of legislative hearings.
Washington, DC –
U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), a member of both the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW) and Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), released the following statement today in support of the Chairman’s Mark of the
Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act.
“Ending our dependence on foreign oil, creating millions of American jobs, and making our air and water cleaner for our children and grandchildren, requires robust investment in critical areas that will pay dividends for generations to come. Such a commitment also will be a loud statement to the world that the United States is ready to take the necessary steps toward reclaiming our leadership as a global leader on climate change. I am proud to support the bill released today by Chairman Boxer that does this without adding one penny to the deficit.
“Central to achieving energy security, is a fundamental change in the way we move ourselves and our goods around this country. Transportation accounts for 30% of our greenhouse gas emissions and 70% of our oil consumption. The Chairman’s Mark begins to invest in the tools and technology our nation will need to achieve energy independence and curb greenhouse gas pollution from the transportation sector, including dedicated funding streams for transit.
“We need to facilitate carbon-free nuclear power generation and make significant investments in cutting-edge research and development of clean advanced biofuels and renewable energy sources like wind and solar. The investment the Chairman’s Mark makes in these domestic sources of energy and the infrastructure they require will help us achieve energy independence and create good jobs here at home.
“We need to help states respond to the impacts of global warming on their citizens and help every state transition smoothly to a clean energy economy. With over 3,000 miles of coastline, Maryland is extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Rising sea levels will threaten homes and farms as well as water and transportation infrastructure. The Chairman’s Mark provides robust funding to states so that they can protect their communities from these kinds of impacts.
“Climate change is happening faster than was ever anticipated, so we’ve got to act now. There is no time to waste. The Chairman’s Mark reflects the priorities of a diverse group of Senators from different regions of the country. I am proud of the collaboration that went into the bill. Now we’ve got to move swiftly to make it law.”
