Tester praises passage of Energy Bill

‘Timely’ measure will bring jobs, savings, security, cleaner air to Montana

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Senator Jon Tester today hailed passage of the 2007 Energy Bill, saying it's a "thoughtful and timely piece of legislation that will bring more jobs, savings, security and cleaner air to Montana."

With a vote of 65-27, the Senate passed the Energy Bill late last night after two weeks of debating and modifying the comprehensive measure.

"Montana isn't just a key player in the future of energy development, it's also a prime beneficiary," said Tester, who played a key role in the bill's passage as a member of the Senate Energy Committee. "This bill does so many good things for Montana, while securing our entire country through energy independence."

The 2007 Energy Bill emphasizes biofuels and alternative energy development, it limits climate change and promotes energy efficiency.  Tester said Montana will see:

• More     jobs and opportunities: The 2007 Energy Bill expands the production of     biofuels like cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel, which will provide more     opportunities for Montana     farmers.  The bill requires 36 billion gallons of biofuels by the     year 2022, it promotes new technology, and it moves producers toward fuels     that do not compete with the nation's food supply.
• Cleaner     air and water: The 2007 Energy Bill will fund a national assessment of     underground places where developers can store captured carbon dioxide     emissions.  It also expands experimental carbon capture research,     including the Big Sky Carbon Sequestration Partnership based at Montana State University.      Tester included an amendment to pay for half the cost of carbon     capture and sequestration equipment for coal and petroleum facilities.
• Efficiency and savings: The 2007 Energy Bill requires automakers to     boost the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) to 35 miles per gallon by     2020.  It also promotes more efficient lighting, heating and     cooling.  And it punishes gas-gougers. 
• Tougher     import standards: The 2007 Energy Bill includes the No Oil     Producing and Exporting Cartels Act (NOPEC), which allows the U.S.     Justice Department to enforce antitrust laws against OPEC member nations     that export oil to America.    

"This bill wouldn't have been possible without Democrats and Republicans working together to make this country more sustainable and energy independent," Tester said.

The 2007 Energy Bill is House Resolution 6, also known as the CLEAN Energy Act.