Energy Bill Signed into law

Markey-Platts Fuel Efficiency Standards Adopted

Congressman Platts voted in favor of the final version of an energy bill containing increased fuel efficiency standards (H.R. 6), which passed by a vote of 314-100 in the House and 86-8 in the Senate.  The centerpiece of H.R. 6 is the first increase in 30 years of fuel efficiency standards for cars and light trucks manufactured for sale within the United States, similar to a proposal introduced by Reps. Edward Markey and Todd Platts earlier this year.  The President signed the measure into law on December 19, 2007. 

“Fuel efficiency is an important national security issue,” Congressman Platts stated.  “America imports more than 60% of its oil from foreign countries, including countries—such as Iran and Venezuela—that are hostile to our interests.  The standards contained in H.R. 6 will reduce our need to import foreign oil by 1.1 million barrels of oil per day by 2020.”  Congressman Platts also noted that the fuel efficiency standards in H.R. 6 will help save consumers money at the gasoline pump and reduce pollutants. 

A previous version of this legislation also contained a tax increase of $21 billion over ten years.  Congressman Platts opposed that bill.