The U.S. House of Representatives seized an opportunity to repower America and rebuild the economy by making bold investments in clean energy and energy efficiency through the economic recovery bill passed 244 to 188 this evening.

With this economic recovery package, Congress took the first step down the road to a new clean energy economy for America.  This bill will deliver more secure energy in the long term; less global warming pollution; fewer asthma attacks from air pollution; more clean lakes and rivers for drinking water, swimming and fishing, and more good jobs right here at home.

The “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act” includes at least $37.9 billion for energy efficiency, $27.8 billion for renewable energy and $14.6 billion for public transit and clean transportation, for a total of $80 billion in clean energy funding.

Equally as impressive, in an effort lead by Rep. Perlmutter, the U.S. House of Representatives by voice vote adopted an amendment that will increase transit funding for Colorado to the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act". The “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act” now includes at least $37.9 billion for energy efficiency, $27.8 billion for renewable energy and $14.6 billion for public transit and clean transportation, for a total of $80 billion in clean energy funding.  The amendment which was introduced by Representative Nadler (D-NY) and co-sponsored by Congressman Ed Perlmutter (D-CO), is expected to bring Colorado an additional $3,330,770 in statewide rural funds for transit projects.  This amendment will save Americans an additional 2 billion barrels of oil and create another 133,000 jobs.

This increased transit funding will put us on the road to refuel America as well. Environment Colorado applauds Rep. Perlmutter in working with Congressional leadership to ensure the passage of this crucial amendment to the economic stimulus package.