A GOP filibuster has forced the weakening of the energy bill in the Senate, with Majority Leader Harry Reid pulling out the renewable energy standard of 15%. The bill would still increase automobile fuel economy requirements for the first time in more than three decades to an industry average of 35 miles per gallon and roll back tax breaks on oil companies to provide tax incentives for clean energy.
However, it would also mandate a dramatic rise in the use of biofuels. Right now biofuels are raising our food prices and dramatically inflating corporate grain producer profits while only slightly trimming greenhouse gas emissions (see image). What's not to like? Congress seems willing to bet the farm (literally) that there will be a major breakthrough in cellulosic ethanol technology between now and 2022.
Meanwhile, China already has an RES of 15% by 2020 and a 36mpg fuel economy standard right now. Even if this bill passes, America will have a national RES of 0% and 35mpg by 2020.
Japan is already at 46mpg and the European Union is shooting for over 50mpg by 2012. We're getting left behind. When will we get serious about energy independence and cutting emissions?