There’s no question skyrocketing prices at the pump are placing a heavy financial burden on Hoosiers. And I join many of you who believe Congress must do more to put our country on a permanent path toward energy independence and reduce our addiction to foreign oil.

The House is expected to take an important step toward that goal this week when we consider the Energy Independence and Security Act. The bill includes a historic increase in the fuel economy standard for new cars and trucks to 35 miles per gallon by 2020. This is the first increase since 1975 and, once implemented, will save Hoosier families an average of $700-$1000 per year at the pump.

The bill provides flexibility to automakers to ensure the new standard will be reached without jeopardizing American manufacturing jobs. In fact, U.S. automakers have endorsed this compromise. Toyota Motor Corp called it a “very important step toward establishing new, aggressive nationwide fuel economy standards." And the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, a group representing the major automakers, said "this tough, national fuel economy bill will be good for both consumers and energy security. We support its passage.”

In addition to increasing the fuel economy standard, the bill also includes incentives to boost the production of home-grown energy sources. Using these renewable sources is good policy, both from an economic and from a national security standpoint.

I believe this bill represents a commonsense compromise that will move America toward energy independence, and I am proud to support it.

Sincerely,

Brad Ellsworth