The U.S. Senate voted earlier today to kill the energy legislation that was passed Thursday by the House. The bill would have increased fuel efficiency standards for the first time in 32 years and removed billions in tax subsidies big oil and gas corporations receive from the government.

As has become alarmingly frequent in the 110th Congress, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) voted against bringing the bill to a vote in the Senate. Having received at least $576,900 from the oil and gas industry and more than $107,000 from the automobile makers, according to data compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics, Sen. McConnell’s position benefits his donors at the expense of his constituents back home in Kentucky.

"With gas prices at record highs, it's unsettling that Sen. McConnell would carry the water for President Bush and big oil on an issue so important to Americans and the future of this country," said David Donnelly, national campaigns director for Public Campaign Action Fund.

 

The legislation passed by the House would force automakers to increase fuel efficiency standards to 35 miles a gallon by 2020. The legislation also supports tax incentives for ethanol production, renewable energy development, and hybrid cars by rolling back billions of dollars in tax breaks for the largest oil companies.

 

"With worldwide consensus on the need to address global warming, it's time for Congress to take action," said Donnelly. "Unfortunately, Sen. McConnell seems more concerned about protecting the rising profits of oil companies instead of the devastating economic impact due to the rising temperatures of the earth."

 

To learn more about Sen. Mitch McConnell and his role in pushing and opposing legislation to benefit his campaign contributors, visit http://www.bigmoneymitch.com.

 

Note: Campaign contribution totals include contributions from Political Action Committees (PACs) and executives giving contributions of $200 or more as coded by industry by the Center for Responsive Politics (www.opensecrets.org). Totals include contributions both to McConnell's campaign committee and leadership PAC, the Bluegrass Committee.

 

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Public Campaign Action Fund (PCAF) is a national nonpartisan organization working to advance comprehensive public financing of elections. PCAF also campaigns to hold elected officials accountable for doing special favors for political backers.