Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
Shorttitle	Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
Othershorttitles	EISA
Longtitle	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.
Enacted by	110th
Effective date	December 19, 2007
Public law url	https://www.congress.gov/110/plaws/publ140/PLAW-110publ140.pdf
Cite public law	110-140
Acts amended	Energy Policy Act of 2005, Energy Policy and Conservation Act
Title amended	42 U.S.C.: Public Health and Social Welfare
Sections created	42, § 17001 et seq.
Leghisturl	https://www.congress.gov/bill/110th-congress/house-bill/6
Introducedin	House
Introducedby	Nick Rahall (D–WV)
Introduceddate	January 12, 2007
Committees	House Energy and Commerce
Passedbody1	House
Passeddate1	January 18, 2007
Passedvote1	264-163
Passedbody2	Senate
Passeddate2	June 21, 2007
Passedvote2	65-27
Agreedbody3	House
Agreeddate3	December 6, 2007
Agreedvote3	314-100
Agreedbody4	Senate
Agreeddate4	December 13, 2007
Agreedvote4	86-8
Signedpresident	George W. Bush
Signeddate	December 19, 2007

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 is a major piece of United States federal law enacted by the 110th United States Congress and signed by President George W. Bush. The comprehensive legislation aimed to enhance national energy security, reduce dependence on foreign oil, and address climate change through a multi-pronged strategy. Its provisions significantly transformed standards for vehicle fuel economy, established a national Renewable Fuel Standard, and enacted sweeping new mandates for energy efficiency in appliances, lighting, and federal buildings.

Legislative history and passage

The act originated as H.R. 6 in the United States House of Representatives, introduced by Representative Nick Rahall of West Virginia. Its passage followed extensive debate and negotiation, particularly after President Bush threatened to veto an earlier version that included a repeal of tax incentives for ExxonMobil and other oil companies. Key figures in shaping the final bill included Nancy Pelosi, then Speaker of the House, and Senators Harry Reid and Jeff Bingaman. The final compromise legislation passed with strong bipartisan support, clearing the United States Senate with an 86-8 vote before receiving the president's signature at a ceremony at the United States Department of Energy.

Key provisions and programs

The law contained five principal titles addressing diverse energy challenges. Title I increased the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards for the first time in decades, while Title II established the Renewable Fuel Standard program. Title III set new efficiency standards for a wide range of products, from incandescent light bulbs to commercial equipment, administered largely by the United States Department of Energy. Title IV focused on energy savings in buildings and industry, and Title V aimed to improve the energy management of the federal government, including the General Services Administration. It also authorized research programs for technologies like carbon capture and storage and advanced biofuels.

Impact on vehicle fuel economy

The act's most prominent transportation provision was a mandate to raise Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards to an industry-wide average of 35 miles per gallon by model year 2020. This marked a historic increase from the previous standard of 27.5 mpg for passenger cars and required the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to set new standards for light trucks. This provision directly influenced subsequent regulations from the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the administration of Barack Obama, which later negotiated even more stringent standards with major automakers like General Motors and Ford Motor Company.

Renewable fuel standard (RFS)

The act dramatically expanded the national Renewable Fuel Standard, first created by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, by setting a mandatory target of 36 billion gallons of renewable fuel to be blended into the nation's transportation fuel supply by 2022. It established specific categories for advanced biofuels, including cellulosic ethanol and biomass-based diesel, requiring them to achieve lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. The program is administered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, which sets annual volume obligations, a process that has involved complex interactions with agricultural interests like the Archer Daniels Midland Company and environmental groups.

Energy efficiency and conservation

Title III of the act enacted landmark efficiency standards, most notably phasing out most general-service incandescent light bulbs in favor of more efficient technologies like compact fluorescent lamps and LED lamps. It also set new standards for external power supplies, electric motors, and commercial heating equipment. The law directed the United States Department of Energy to establish the Weatherization Assistance Program and created the Office of Weatherization and Intergovernmental Programs to implement energy conservation grants to states and Indian tribes, promoting building upgrades and industrial efficiency.

Implementation and subsequent developments

Implementation of the act's wide-ranging mandates has been carried out by multiple federal agencies, including the United States Department of Energy, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Key subsequent developments include the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upholding the light bulb standards and ongoing legal and regulatory challenges surrounding the Renewable Fuel Standard volumes. Provisions from EISA also served as a foundational policy framework for later initiatives, such as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and clean energy plans advanced during the administration of Joe Biden.

Category:2007 in American law Category:United States federal energy legislation Category:110th United States Congress