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Energy:
Energy Policy Act of 2005

Our Position: oppose
Bill Number: HR6
Sponsor: Joe Barton (R-TX)
Legislative Session: 2005

The impetus for this disastrous energy bill was the Cheney Energy Task Force, which came out with recommendations for energy policy in May 2001. For over 4 years, the energy industries and the White House have pushed for passage of this damaging bill.  Unfortunately, this bill is extremely damaging for our air, our water, our special lands, and our coastlines. A forward-looking energy policy would increase our energy security by reducing our dependence on oil; promote clean, renewable energy like solar and wind; promote aggressive energy efficiency measures; protect consumers and taxpayers by eliminating massive subsidies for polluting industries; and protect our special lands and waters.

In contrast, this bill does little to reduce our dependence on oil; weakens cornerstone environmental protections like the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Clean Water Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act; provides billions of dollars to polluting industries; requires damaging and invasive oil and gas activities on our coastlines; increases global warming pollution; weakens the public's ability to give input into siting energy facilities; and much more.

Status

Passed House on July 28, 2005; passed Senate on July 29, 2005. It became Public Law No: 109-58 in August.