U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted today with a majority of his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to pass landmark energy legislation that will increase the fuel efficiency of cars and trucks for the first time in 32 years to save consumers money, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and cut greenhouse gas emissions to reduce global warming. The Energy Independence and Security Act (H.R. 6) passed the House by a vote of 314 to 100 and will be sent to the President, who is expected to sign the bill into law tomorrow.

“Instead of getting pinched at the pump, consumers today are getting punched at the pump,” said Larsen. “High energy costs are a real burden on families trying to balance their checkbooks, especially during the holiday season.”

“This historic energy bill will increase fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks so Northwest Washington families can spend less on gas and keep more money in their pockets,” Larsen concluded. 

The Energy Independence and Security Act will:

• Increase the average fuel efficiency of vehicles to 35 miles per gallon by 2020, the first increase passed by Congress in 32 years;
• Save consumers money by making household appliances, lighting and buildings more energy efficient and; 
• Invest in American-grown biofuels to make agriculture part of the energy solution.

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