Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
Great Seal of the United States
Other short titles
  • Advanced Geothermal Energy Research and Development Act of 2007
  • Department of Energy Carbon Capture and Sequestration Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 2007
  • Green Jobs Act of 2007
  • Marine and Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy Research and Development Act
  • Solar Energy Research and Advancement Act of 2007
  • Ten-in-Ten Fuel Economy Act
  • United States Energy Storage Competitiveness Act of 2007
  • Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act
Long titleAn Act to move the United States toward greater energy independence and security, to increase the production of clean renewable fuels, to protect consumers, to increase the efficiency of products, buildings, and vehicles, to promote research on and deploy greenhouse gas capture and storage options, and to improve the energy performance of the Federal Government, and for other purposes.
Acronyms (colloquial)EISA
NicknamesLong-Term Energy Alternatives for the Nation Act
Enacted bythe 110th United States Congress
EffectiveDecember 19, 2007
Citations
Public law110-140
Statutes at Large121 Stat. 1492
Codification
Titles amended42 U.S.C.: Public Health and Social Welfare
U.S.C. sections created42 U.S.C. ch. 152 § 17001 et seq.
Legislative history

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (Pub.L. 110-140[1]), originally named the Clean Energy Act of 2007, is an Act of Congress concerning the energy policy of the United States. As part of the Democratic Party's 100-Hour Plan during the 110th Congress,[2] it was introduced in the United States House of Representatives by Representative Nick Rahall of West Virginia, along with 198 cosponsors. Even though Rahall was 1 of only 4 Democrats to oppose the final bill,[3] it passed in the House without amendment in January 2007. When the Act was introduced in the Senate in June 2007, it was combined with Senate Bill S. 1419: Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007.[4] This amended version passed the Senate on June 21, 2007.[5][6] After further amendments and negotiation between the House and Senate, a revised bill passed both houses on December 18, 2007[7] and President Bush, a Republican, signed it into law on December 19, 2007, in response to his "Twenty in Ten" challenge to reduce gasoline consumption by 20% in 10 years.[8]

The stated purpose of the act is "to move the United States toward greater energy independence and security, to increase the production of clean renewable fuels, to protect consumers, to increase the efficiency of products, buildings, and vehicles, to promote research on and deploy greenhouse gas capture and storage options, and to improve the energy performance of the Federal Government, and for other purposes.".[9] House Speaker Nancy Pelosi promoted the Act as a way of lowering energy costs to consumers.[10] The bill followed another major piece of energy legislation, the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

The bill originally sought to cut subsidies to the petroleum industry in order to promote petroleum independence and different forms of alternative energy. These tax changes were ultimately dropped after opposition in the Senate, and the final bill focused on automobile fuel economy, development of biofuels, and energy efficiency in public buildings and lighting.

  1. ^ Pub. L. 110–140 (text) (PDF)
  2. ^ Chase, Ayinde (January 19, 2007). "House Passes Clean Energy Act of 2007, 264 to 163". All Headline News. AHN Corp. Archived from the original on February 18, 2007. Retrieved May 13, 2007.
  3. ^ "FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 1177" (XML). Office of the Clerk –U.S. House of Representatives. December 18, 2007. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  4. ^ S. 1419
  5. ^ Freeman, Sholnn (June 22, 2007). "Senate Passes Energy Bill". The Washington Post. p. D01. Retrieved June 25, 2007.
  6. ^ "Roll Call Vote on H.R. 6". United States Senate. June 21, 2007. Retrieved June 25, 2007.
  7. ^ 110th Congress (2007–2008) H.R.6 All Congressional Actions Archived December 17, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. The Library of Congress THOMAS.
  8. ^ Bush GW. (2007) Twenty In Ten: Strengthening America's Energy Security. U.S. White House.
  9. ^ Rahall, Nick (January 12, 2007). "H.R. 6". THOMAS. Library of Congress. Archived from the original on January 19, 2016. Retrieved May 12, 2007.
  10. ^ Pelosi, Nancy (January 12, 2007). "House Speaker's Description of Legislation". Speaker.gov. United States House of Representatives. Archived from the original on February 7, 2008. Retrieved June 7, 2008.