Tester highlights key components of 2007 Energy Bill

Legislation will provide jobs, secure America and sustain the future, senator says

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Innovative biofuels. Renewable Energy.  "Clean and green" coal development.  More energy efficient buildings.  They're just some of Senator Jon Tester's priorities in the 2007 Energy Bill, which is up for debate this week on Capitol Hill.

As a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Tester is taking a lead role in the energy debate.   He outlined some of his priorities today during a conference call with Montana reporters.

"The Energy Bill boils down to national security, better job opportunities in Montana, cleaner air and a sustainable future," Tester said.  "There's no silver bullet to lower gas and energy prices, but there's a lot of options out there for the long term."

Some of the major components of the 2007 Energy Bill include:

• Biofuels:     Tester is pushing for a much larger future for agricultural biofuels such     as oilseed (biodiesel) and cellulosic ethanol.  The 2007 Energy Bill     gives an enormous boost to clean, renewable biofuel production by     providing funding for research, technology and infrastructure.
• Renewable     Energy: Tester supports including a national Renewable Electricity     Standard in the Energy Bill that would require utilities to purchase 15     percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources including wind,     solar, biomass, and geothermal power by the year 2020.
• 'Clean     and Green' Coal: Tester supports "clean and green" development of Montana's vast coal     reserves.  The 2007 Energy Bill expands research and technology to     capture and sequester carbon emissions caused by coal-powered energy     production.
• Energy     Efficiency: The 2007 Energy Bill will promote more efficient lighting,     heating and cooling, and energy storage in public buildings.

The Senate is expected to debate the 2007 Energy Bill for the next two weeks.  Last night senators voted unanimously (91-0) to begin debating the legislation.