As energy costs spiraled upward and American consumers suffered at the pump, anti-environment forces in Congress monopolized legislative proceedings to push a pro-drilling agenda. In September, House Democrats introduced a proposal that combined conservation measures, renewable energy investment, and increased drilling into a single comprehensive energy package.

The Comprehensive American Energy Security & Consumer Protection Act of 2008 included a renewable electricity standard mandating that 15% of American electricity come from clean energy sources by 2020. H.R. 6899 would extend tax credits to the renewable energy industry, institute energy efficiency standards for buildings, and repeal billions of dollars in tax subsidies to oil companies.

During consideration of H.R. 6899, Representative John Peterson (R-PA) offered a motion to strike the renewable electricity standard and open up additional federal lands and waters to drilling. The motion would also have provided federal subsidies for the development of polluting fossil fuels such as oil shale.

On September 16, the House defeated the motion by a 191-226 vote (House roll call vote 598). NO IS THE PRO-ENVIRONMENT VOTE.