It’s taken three decades, but last week, members of the House rallied together, to push through a long-overdue increase in federal auto fuel efficiency standards.
The Energy Independence and Security Act marks a historic compromise between Congress and the nation’s automakers, and a new attitude towards important environmental issues.
Larry Byrnes understands the importance of protecting the environment here and abroad.
“The United States has fewer than five percent of the world’s population, yet produces 25 percent of the carbon emissions on earth,” Larry says. “We can do better. We must do better. Future generations are counting on us to do better.”
The bill also signifies an important new direction in U.S. energy policy. The legislation repeals billions of dollars in tax breaks given to the country’s largest oil companies, and, instead, redirects that money into programs to encourage the use of renewable fuels.
It’s a move Larry believes is an important step to putting America on the path to energy independence.
“This is the century of renewable, non-polluting sources of energy: solar, wind, geothermal, ethanol, nuclear, and hydrogen,” Larry says. “What a powerful list of renewal energy options that, incidentally, give us cleaner air. Indeed, we can do better!”
Given how progressive and forward-thinking this legislation is, it should come as no surprise that Rep. Connie Mack voted against the bill. During his time in Congress, Rep. Mack has consistently sided with the interests of big oil, voting to explore building more refineries, and voting against repealing those same massive tax breaks.
Rep. Mack has also shot down several attempts to further develop and fund renewable energy programs.
In contrast, Larry puts a premium on energy independence, and believes our nation cannot be truly secure, until we have broken free of our dependence on fossil fuels.
“We need a declaration of energy independence matched by the vision and political will to make it happen,” Larry says. “Let’s make it happen by making the energy bill a reality!”
While the legislation faces a certain filibuster in the Senate, and a likely veto threat from the President, Larry believes it is key to improving, securing and protecting the future of our nation.