WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republicans in the U.S. House took a step this week to pivot the nation away from renewable energy programs.
After a week of heated debate, the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday passed the 2012 Energy, Water and Related Agencies Appropriations bill with only one vote to spare.
The legislation cuts $1 billion from energy- and water-related spending, winding back investments in more fuel-efficient vehicles and renewable energy programs intended to wean the nation off fossil fuels.
House Republican leaders garnered 219 votes for the controversial legislation; 218 votes were needed for passage.
Throughout the week the members of the Tennessee and Georgia congressional delegations were on the fence over the legislation, as a flurry of amendments were offered to either increase the bill’s price tag or reduce it significantly.