WASHINGTON, DC (December 14, 2007) -- “Last night’s vote on an energy bill that will increase the use of renewable fuels by 36 billion gallons and raise the fuel efficiency of cars and trucks to 35 miles per gallon marks a landmark shift in our nation’s energy policy. We commend Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and the Senate leadership for their tireless work in passing this significant bill. We hope the House will quickly send this legislation to the President’s desk.

“Although this bill represents an important new beginning, we are disappointed that it doesn’t include a 15% renewable electricity standard, dropped the tax reforms assuring that the oil and gas industry pays their fair share of taxes, and excluded the moderate reforms advocated by House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall (D-WV) that would help safeguard our ecologically sensitive western public lands from irresponsible oil and gas development. We will continue to work with our congressional allies to protect western lands from the rush to open them to oil and gas development without proper environmental review and safeguards.”

Founded in 1935, The Wilderness Society is a nonprofit advocacy organization that works to protect America’s wilderness and wildlife. With the help of more than 310,000 members and supporters, The Wilderness Society seeks to ensure that future generations will enjoy the clean air and water, wildlife, natural beauty, opportunities for recreation and spiritual renewal provided by protected forests, rivers, deserts, and mountains.