Rule Approved for Historic Climate Change Legislation

Washington, DC – The House Committee on Rules met today and approved a Rule for consideration of H.R. 2454, The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. The Rule provides for three hours of debate and incorporates a broad amendment from Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) into the final bill.

Chairman Louise M. Slaughter issued the following statement:

“Our committee’s vote this morning takes us a step closer toward reversing climate change and making this country more secure by reducing our debilitating reliance on foreign oil supplies,” Slaughter said. “By eliminating our dependence on oil from the Middle East , we make Americans safer and reduce the likelihood that we will be drawn in conflicts over price and supplies. The Bush Administration’s immature chant of ‘drill baby drill’ accomplished nothing. This bill actually makes smart investments in alternative energy, in energy efficiency and changing the equation with a cap-and-trade program that will help clean our air. I strongly encourage my colleagues to support this rule today and quickly move this legislation through the House and Senate so that President Obama can sign it into law.” 

For a copy of the rule visit www.rules.house.gov

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United States House of Representatives
312 The Capitol • Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-9091 phone • (202) 225-1061 fax • www.rules.house.gov