[Update] Recent vote fails. Senate not giving up though.
[Update] Senate Republicans seem to be pushing back on the proposed bill due to increases in taxes to the oil industry. ( Read CNN Article)
Senate leaders have been working hard to pass an energy bill that includes higher CAFE standards for cars.
From the Detroit News article:
Even with the changes hammered out in recent days, prospects for the bill remain uncertain. Democrats need 60 votes to end debate and approve the bill, which would require a fleetwide industry average of 35 miles per gallon by 2020. The House passed the 1,055-page energy bill last week, 235-181. The White House reiterated a veto threat if the tax provisions remain.
Issues in debate:
- Higher CAFE standards with fleet mileage of 35 MPG
- Removal of 15% Renewable Portfolio Standard for electricity production
- Continuation of renewable energy incentives (to the tue of $21.8 Billion)
- Reduction of oil company tax breaks of $1 Billion
- Tax credits for hybrid car purchases
There’s still a lot of changes that could be made before the final version. So we will see what happens today as it may go to vote.
One Comment
I was really happy to hear that the House had passed a compromise on this a week ago and also that companies were even showing support for it. I know that the AAM has said they’re behind it since I’ve done some work for them. Of course the Republicans aren’t happy about tax increases but I hope this goes through since it seemed like there was so much support for it.