H.R. 2454, the "American Clean Energy and Security Act"

H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES), is a comprehensive approach to America's energy policy that would create millions of new clean energy jobs, save consumers hundreds of billions of dollars in energy costs, enhance America's energy independence, and cut global warming pollution.  The legislation received wide support from electric utilities, energy companies, manufacturers, labor unions, and community and environmental organizations.  The bill would reduce carbon emissions from major U.S. sources by 17% by 2020 and more than 80% by 2050 compared to 2005 levels. The bill:

• Establishes a cap pn large domestic sources of carbon emissions and establishes a system of tradable permits modeled after the successful Clean Air Act program to prevent acid rain;
• Requires electric utilities to meet 20% of their electricity demand through renewable energy sources and energy efficiency by 2020;
• Invests in new clean energy technologies and energy efficiency, including carbon capture and sequestration, electric and other advanced technology vehicles, and basic scientific research and development; and
• Establishes energy-saving standards for new buildings and appliances.

Click here for a summary of ACES as passed by the House of Representatives and an analysis of the state-level impacts of ACES.

The Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held 11 hearings prior to House consideration of the American Clean Energy and Security Act.  See below for links to each hearing.

On March 31, 2009, Chairman Waxman and Subcommittee Chairman Markey released a discussion draft of the American Clean Energy and Security Act.  The legislation was available for review by both majority and minority Committee members, as well as outside experts and the public, for nearly seven weeks prior to Committee markup.  From April 21, 2009, to April 24, 2009, the Committee and Subcommittee held a legislative hearing on the ACES discussion draft, spanning four days.  Nearly 70 witnesses testified, including former Vice President Al Gore and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich.

On May 15, 2009, Chairman Waxman and Subcommittee Chairman Markey formally introduced H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009.  From May 18, 2009, to May 21, 2009, the full Committee met in open markup session to consider H.R. 2454.  During the four days of markup, the Committee considered 96 amendments, of which 36 were adopted.  On May 21, 2009, the Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 2454 by a roll call vote of 33-25.  On June 5, 2009, the Committee filed the Committee report on H.R. 2454.

On June 22, 2009, Chairman Waxman and Subcommittee Chairman Markey filed a substitute amendment to H.R. 2454 with the Committee on Rules.  The substitute amendment reflected contributions of other committees, as well as technical changes.  On June 23, 2009, Chairman Waxman and Subcommittee Chairman Markey introduced H.R. 2998, containing identical text as the substitute amendment filed with the Committee on Rules.  On June 26, 2009, H.R. 2454 passed the House, as amended, by a roll call vote of 219-212.  

No further action was taken on H.R. 2454 during the 111th Congress.  Provisions in this bill relating to the “Cash for Clunkers” program were enacted under H.R. 2751, and provisions relating to reauthorization of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act were enacted under H.R. 5809.