U.S. approves landmark climate and energy bill

The U.S. House of Representatives approved on June 26 a climate and energy bill that would significantly change the United States energy sector. House Resolution (HR) 2454, also known as the “American Clean Energy and Security Act,” was approved by a vote of 219-212, and will now be sent to the Senate for possible passage into law. HR 2454 mandates a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 17% below 2005 levels by 2020 and more than 80% by 2050. It also establishes new energy-efficient building codes and allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission more freedom to place transmission lines in the western U.S. (June 27, 2009)