SAFE: Energy Victory "Proudest Moment of This Congress"

Historic, Bipartisan Achievement on Energy Security

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2007; Securing America's Future Energy (SAFE) today praised final House approval of historic energy legislation that will help reduce U.S. oil dependence through a robust strengthening and reform of fuel-economy standards and a renewable fuel standard. The bill, now headed for the president's desk, incorporates key elements of the Recommendations to the Nation on Reducing U.S. Oil Dependence, a report issued by SAFE's Energy Security Leadership Council (ESLC) last December.

"Because of the high stakes of energy security, the overwhelming bipartisan coalition that has rallied to address it, and the remarkable achievement in the offing, this is the proudest moment of this Congress," said Robbie Diamond, SAFE's Founder and President.

"Addressing efficiency is a critical first step toward energy security. Demand reduction can be achieved by improving the fuel economy of our vehicles and diversifying our energy sources to include renewable fuels. But demand is only half of the energy-security equation," Diamond continued. "While we regret that the emerging legislation does not include initiatives to expand domestic supply, we believe Congress now stands on the doorstep of an historic, bipartisan achievement. Because this problem is far from solved, we'll continue to make the case for environmentally safe and responsible domestic production of oil and natural gas."

The ESLC, composed of corporate and retired military leaders, is chaired by FedEx Chairman, President and CEO Frederick W. Smith and Gen. P.X. Kelley, USMC (Ret.), 28th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. Non-partisan in their formulation, the Recommendations contained a balanced plan for bolstering our nation's strategic position by: (1) reducing oil consumption, (2) expanding environmentally responsible production of domestic oil and natural gas, (3) promoting renewable alternative fuels, and (4) strengthening diplomatic and military arrangements to protect global oil flows.

The Senate and the House of Representatives have now passed landmark legislation that will reform and strengthen the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) system and result in significant oil savings. They also have developed a plan for expanding production of renewable alternatives under an aggressive but achievable Renewable Fuel Standard. President Bush is expected to sign the bill into law tomorrow.

Securing America's Future Energy (SAFE) is an action-oriented, nonpartisan organization that aims to reduce America's dependence on oil and improve U.S. energy security to bolster national security and strengthen the economy.