Representative Rehberg Opposes Landmark Clean Energy Bill

Last month, Congressional Watch reported on the successful passage of the U.S. Senate’s Clean Energy Bill.  This month, we’re happy to share the great news that the House of Representatives passed its own version of the bill.  As stated by the League of Conservation Voters (LCV), passing this legislation is a huge step toward reducing U.S. dependence on fossil fuels, combating global warming, and decreasing air pollution.

The House and Senate both passed different versions of the Energy Bill.  The House voted for a renewable electricity standard amendment and the Senate bill includes vehicle fuel efficiency standards. Many conservation and environmental organizations working on federal energy and climate change policy are now hard at work to ensure that the final Clean Energy Bill that goes to the President’s desk includes both of these provisions.

This measure is a significant step forward for the country, but the disappointing news to share is that Montana’s representative, Dennis Rehberg, voted against the Clean Energy Bill!  This may seem shocking as the bill includes provisions that are not only positive for the environment, but for consumers as well.  However, when looking deeper at Dennis Rehberg’s voting record, his recent vote is not so surprising. 

In 2005, Rehberg voted in favor of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 - a bill that LCV called "the most anti-environment bill in recent memory".  That legislation gave giant tax breaks to oil companies in lieu of common sense support for energy conservation or renewable energy production.

The Clean Energy bill that passed this month is a huge win for the environment, for our economy and for consumers.  Ask Congressman Rehberg to explain his votes against commons sense solutions to address our country's energy issues!

Here's a look at how Rehberg voted:

• Against an amendment that would create a Renewable Energy standard for the entire U.S., wherein states have to generate 15% of electricity from clean renewable sources by 2020. (Roll Call Vote 827)
• Against passage of H.R. 3221 (New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act) - even though 26 other R's were in support of the bills successful passage.  (Roll Call 832)
• Against final passage of H.R. 2776 (Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2007). (Roll Call 835)

More great information on what's in the Clean Energy Bill that the House passed on is available in San Francisco Chronicle and at the website of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

For More Information on the House Clean Energy Bill and the work that Montana groups are doing to promote clean, renewable energy for the nation, you may visit these the following websites:

MontPIRG
Montanans for a Healthy Climate
Montana Environmental Information Center
National Environmental Trust
Natural Resources Defense Council
National Center for Appropriate Technology
Northern Plains Resource Council
Western Organization of Resource Councils