Committees Set Hearings for Clean Energy and Security Act
Chair Henry A. Waxman of the Energy and Commerce Committee and Chair Edward J. Markey of the Energy and Environment Subcommittee released on March 31 a draft of clean energy legislation that would create jobs, help end U.S. dependence on foreign oil, and combat global warming.
The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES) is a comprehensive approach to America's energy policy that charts a new course toward a clean energy economy, according to a press release from the committees.
To meet these goals, the legislation has four titles:
- A clean energy title that promotes renewable sources of energy, carbon capture and sequestration technologies, low-carbon fuels, clean electric vehicles, and the smart grid and electricity transmission;
- An energy efficiency title that increases energy efficiency across all sectors of the economy, including buildings, appliances, transportation, and industry;
- A global warming title that places limits on emissions of heat-trapping pollutants; and
- A transitioning title that protects U.S. consumers and industry and promotes green jobs during the transition to a clean energy economy.
The Energy and Commerce Committee will complete consideration of the legislation by Memorial Day. The preliminary schedule follows:
Week of April 20: Energy and Environment Subcommittee Hearings
Week of April 27: Energy and Environment Subcommittee Markup Period Begins
Week of May 11: Full Energy and Commerce Committee Markup Period Begins.