Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), also known as Public Law 110-140, is a significant piece of legislation in the United States that aims to reduce the country's dependence on oil and increase the use of renewable energy sources. Signed into law by President George W. Bush on December 19, 2007, EISA encompasses a broad range of measures designed to improve energy efficiency across various sectors and promote the development of renewable energy.
== Overview ==
Enacted: December 19, 2007
Public Law: 110-140
Also Known As: EISA
Long Title: An Act to move the United States toward greater energy independence and security, to increase the production of clean renewable fuels, to protect consumers, to increase the efficiency of products, buildings, and vehicles, to promote research on and deploy greenhouse gas capture and storage options, and to improve the energy performance of the Federal Government, and for other purposes.
== Key Provisions ==
=== Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) ===
EISA significantly expanded the Renewable Fuel Standard, requiring transportation fuel sold in the U.S. to contain a minimum volume of renewable fuels. The RFS target was set to reach 36 billion gallons of biofuels by 2022, a substantial increase aimed at reducing reliance on petroleum.
=== Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) ===
The act raised the mandatory fuel economy standards for new cars and light trucks in the U.S., setting a target of 35 miles per gallon by 2020. This represented a significant increase aimed at reducing fuel consumption and enhancing the energy efficiency of vehicles.
=== Energy Efficiency and Consumer Products ===
EISA established new energy efficiency standards for appliances, lighting, and commercial products. It included measures to phase out incandescent light bulbs in favor of more energy-efficient lighting technologies.
=== Federal Energy Management ===
The act imposed stricter energy management and efficiency standards on federal agencies and buildings, including requirements for reduction in energy use and increased use of renewable energy sources within the federal government.
=== Support for Renewable Energy Technologies ===
EISA authorized funding and support for the development of innovative renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, and geothermal energy. It also supported the advancement of carbon capture and sequestration technologies as part of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
=== Green Jobs and Education ===
The act included provisions for the creation of training programs for jobs related to energy efficiency and renewable energy, aiming to support workforce development in the emerging green economy.
=== Legislative History ===
EISA was part of the Democratic Party's 100-Hour Plan during the 110th Congress and was introduced in response to rising oil prices and growing concerns about climate change. The act was a follow-up to the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and aimed to address some of the shortcomings of the earlier legislation, particularly in terms of energy efficiency and renewable energy.
=== Impact and Criticism ===
EISA has been credited with significantly advancing U.S. energy policy, particularly in terms of increasing the supply of renewable energy and improving energy efficiency. However, some provisions of the act, such as those related to biofuels, have faced criticism over concerns about their environmental impact and the feasibility of large-scale biofuel production.
== References ==
Category:United States Energy Legislation
Category:U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Category:U.S. Environmental Policy