FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 28, 2005
CONTACT: Brian O'Malley, 202-675-6279


                SIERRA CLUB STATEMENT ON SENATE ENERGY BILL

                       Carl Pope, Executive Director


"Today, America missed the opportunity to adopt an energy policy that will
give Americans relief at the gas pump and put our nation on the path to a
cleaner, cheaper, and safer energy future.  Instead of passing an energy
bill that boosts fuel economy, significantly increases efficiency and our
use of clean renewable energy, the US Senate passed a bill that does
virtually nothing to lower our dependence on oil, funnels billions of
taxpayer dollars to polluting energy industries, and opens up our coastlines
and wildlands to destructive oil and gas activities.

"At a time when gas prices are skyrocketing, Americans need an energy plan
that saves consumers money, creates new jobs, protects the environment, and
makes America more secure by cutting our dependence on oil.  Senate and
House leaders still have a chance to show some political leadership by
supporting these solutions when the energy bill goes to conference
committee."

"There are a few rays of hope in this Senate bill: They did include a
provision that requires America to produce 10 percent of its electricity
with clean, renewable energy and created tax credits for a selection of
energy-efficient buildings and practices.  And while the steps it took to
address global warming were very small, the Senate did acknowledge for the
first time that the threat from human-induced climate change is real and
serious.  We urge the conference committee to preserve these bright spots in
the final bill."


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