Energy Legislation
Comprehensive energy legislation will help our country change course and turn away from an increasingly dangerous path that has led America to rolling blackouts, high fuel prices and increasing dependence on foreign energy sources. This is the view of the Coalition for Affordable and Reliable Energy (CARE).

CARE recognizes the importance of a national energy policy and similar energy legislation written to better meet the nation's energy needs while striking a sensible balance among social, economic, national security, environmental and energy goals. The U.S. Congress will continue to consider energy legislation of all types, and CARE looks forward to working with them to develop comprehensive national energy legislation.

Examples of current energy legislation.

Energy Policy Act

The House of Representatives passed comprehensive national energy legislation, the Energy Policy Act (H.R. 6), by a vote of 247-175 on April 11, 2003. Representative Tauzin of Louisiana sponsored the bill. On July 31, 2003, the Senate passed an energy bill that was identical to a bill passed by a Democratic controlled Senate a year ago. The shape of a final bill will depend on negotiations with the House.

Clear Skies Act

The Clear Skies Act (S. 485), sponsored by Senator Inhofe of Oklahoma, is a Bush Administration supported initiative to reduce sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and mercury air emissions. Representative Barton of Texas is the sponsor of the House version of the bill (H.R. 999).

Clean Air Planning Act

The Clean Air Planning Act (S.843), sponsored by Senator Carper of Delaware, also seeks to amend the Clean Air Act to reduce SO2, NOx, and mercury emissions, but it would also regulate carbon dioxide emissions.

Clean Power Act

The Clean Power Act (S. 366), sponsored by Senator Jeffords of Vermont, would regulate SO2, NOx, mercury, and CO2, but would establish the most stringent emissions reduction requirements.

Clean Coal Tax Incentives

The Coal Energy Research, Development and Demonstration Act (S. 582), sponsored by Senator Bunning of Kentucky, would provide for investment and production tax incentives for research and development of new and advanced clean coal technologies for use in coal-based electricity generating facilities. Similar legislation has been introduced in the House as the Clean Coal Power Act (H.R. 1213) by Representative Whitfield of Kentucky.

Climate Stewardship Act

Climate Change legislation that would mandate CO2 emission caps and reporting requirements.