The Energy Policy Act of 2005
The Energy Policy Act (EPACT) of 2005 promotes the same 20th century energy technologies that pollute, are costly and crowd out new 21st century opportunities by providing billions of dollars in unjustified subsidies to the fossil fuel and nuclear energy industries. In addition, the legislation sidestepped a path toward energy independence by failing to establish mandatory improvements in automobile fuel efficiency (“CAFE” standards). Finally, the legislation repealed the Public Utility Holding Company Act (PUHCA), an essential consumer protection that ensures that electric utilities exist to serve the people, not the profit interests of large corporations.
From Bill to Law:
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 passed out of the House of Representatives on April 15, 2005. Read the Section-by-Section Analysis of Key Provisions Affecting Consumers in House Version. The bill passed the Senate on July 29, 2005. Read the Section-by-Section Analysis of Key Provisions Affecting Consumers in Senate Version. The bill was signed by President Bush on August 8, 2005. View the final bill.
Extra: Watch Public Citizen’s Tyson Slocum debate Rep. Lee Terry (R-NE) about the 2005 energy bill on E&E TV.
Explore In-Depth Analysis of the Energy Policy Act of 2005:
General Guides
• Public Citizen’s Summary of Energy Industry Giveaways in the Energy Bill
• Incentives Title in the Senate Energy Bill: May the Best Lobbyist Win
Nuclear
• Nuclear Provisions in the Final Energy Bill
• Price-Anderson Act: The Billion Dollar Bailout for Nuclear Power Mishaps
Electricity Deregulation
• Analysis of Harmful Provisions in the Electricity Title of the Senate Energy Bill
• Access to Books and Records of Utility Owners if PUHCA is Repealed: 9 Reasons Why It’s a Joke
• Impacts of the Public Utilitiy Holding Company Act Repeal
Oil & Gas
• GOP Protects Fuel Additive Manufacturers Despite Drinking Water Contamination