The bill was passed with 221 votes to 189, and suppliments another bill that provides increased funding and tax incentives for renewable energy, whilst closing tax incentives for the petroleum industry. The President can still veto the bills if he wishes.
Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the House of Representatives, said:
"This legislation puts us on a path toward energy independence, strengthens national security, grows our economy and creates new jobs, lowers energy prices, and begins to address global warming.
"It does so by investing in the future. Specifically, we will invest in new energy technologies and innovation to create new jobs; improve energy efficiency for a wide range of products, lighting and buildings; make the federal government a leader in reducing energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions; and strengthen research and diplomatic efforts on climate change to protect our planet."
Samuel W. Bodman, Energy Secretary, said:
"Today the House passed legislation that does little to increase our nation's energy security or reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, the bills will actually lead to less domestic oil and gas production and increased dependence on imported oil.
"Because H.R. 2776 and H.R. 3221 fail to deliver American consumers or businesses more energy security, but rather would lead to higher energy costs and higher taxes, the President’s senior advisors would recommend that he veto these bills.
"As the full Congress considers this legislation, I urge them to implement President Bush's Twenty in Ten Initiative that will reduce gasoline usage 20 percent in ten years and put America on a path towards a stronger, cleaner energy future."
The American Petroleum Institute was also not happy with the bills, which effectively wipe billions of tax rebates off the oil industry's balance sheet:
"The House energy legislation is the wrong prescription for a secure energy future. It would discourage production of the energy Americans must have to maintain a thriving economy with strong job creation and improving living standards. The legislation would move good-paying jobs overseas, increase imports, and hurt consumers. It is premised on the false idea the nation must choose between alternatives and oil and natural gas. We need all forms of energy and will continue to need them for generations to come."
Ed Markey, Democrat representative for Massachusetts, said:
"It's an historic turn away from a fossil fuel agenda and toward a renewable energy agenda for America. It has been a long time coming."

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