WASHINGTON - Rep. Henry A. Waxman, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Rep. Edward J. Markey, chairman of the House Energy and Environment Subcommittee, introduced a draft energy bill that is scheduled to go before the House Energy and Commerce Committee the week of May 11. The goals of the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES) include creating clean energy jobs, ending dependence on foreign oil, and combating global warming.

To meet these goals, the legislation has four sections or “titles”:

• A clean energy title that promotes renewable sources of energy, carbon capture and sequestration technologies, low-carbon fuels, clean electric vehicles, and the smart grid and electricity transmission;

• An energy efficiency title that aims to increase energy efficiency across all sectors of the economy, including buildings, appliances, transportation, and industry;

• A global warming title that places limits on emissions of heat-trapping pollutants; and

• A transitioning title that is intended to protect U.S. consumers and industry and promote green jobs during the transition to a clean energy economy.

The Energy and Commerce Committee is expected to complete consideration of the legislation by Memorial Day. The bill will then be presented to the full U.S. House of Representatives.

Publication date: 05/11/2009