FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 27 FEBRUARY 2007CONTACT:  David Willett, 202.675.6698          Josh Dorner, 202.679.7570    Sierra Club Cheers House Passage of Renewable Energy, Consumer Energy                            Savings Incentives               Quick Senate Action Urged to Avoid Slowdown,                  Job Losses in Renewable Energy Industry Washington, D.C.--Today by a margin of 236-182, the House ofRepresentatives passed an $18 billion package of incentives for theproduction of clean, renewable energy; credits for the purchase of hybridcars; and energy efficient homes, buildings, and appliances.  The billrenews crucial renewable energy incentives that are in danger of expiringat the end of this year.  The bill will create tens of thousands of newclean energy jobs, stimulate the economy with billions in new investments,and bring affordable clean energy to American consumers.  The bill avoidsnew deficit by repealing taxpayer-funded giveaways to Big Oil.           Statement of Carl Pope, Sierra Club Executive Director "The House acted today to make us more energy independent, create thousandsof new clean energy jobs, stimulate the economy, increase the production ofaffordable clean energy, and attack our growing energy crisis head-on.Speaker Pelosi and our leaders in Congress have made this issue a toppriority and they are to be congratulated for the progress they have madetoward helping us realize the promise offered by a clean energy economy. "Consumers are begging for relief and this bill offers some mercy fromcrippling energy costs.  It will save American families money on theirenergy bills and help make energy efficient appliances, hybrid cars, andefficient homes more affordable for all consumers.  This is good for theeconomy, good for the environment, and is essential now more than ever. "We urge the Senate to take up and pass this measure without delay.  Wehave labored for nearly a year to get this vital legislation passed andwill now redouble our efforts to secure the votes necessary to move itthrough the Senate and on to the President’s desk.  In addition to ourefforts on Capitol Hill, we have launched a grassroots campaign and willsoon begin a series of advertisements in key states across the country. "Failing to extend these incentives soon will endanger billions of dollarsin investments and put more than 100,000 hardworking Americans out of a jobin the wind and solar industries alone.  Make no mistake--a vote againstthis bill is a vote to kill jobs and stunt economic growth. "With oil trading at a startling $102, gas prices charging toward a newrecord, and ExxonMobil raking in a record $40 billion in profits last year,it is unconscionable that any Member would side with Big Oil instead oftheir constituents.  Our energy system is badly broken and this bill takessome long overdue steps toward fixing it."                                    # # #
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