Obama lauds energy bill movement

WASHINGTON, May 21 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama Thursday applauded the House Energy and Commerce Committee's passage of clean energy legislation.

"We are now one step closer to delivering on the promise of a new clean energy economy that will make America less dependent on foreign oil, crack down on polluters, and create millions of new jobs all across America," Obama said in a statement released by the White House. "The bill is historic for what it achieves, providing clean energy incentives that encourage innovation while recognizing the concerns of sensitive industries and regions in this country."

The president noted the legislation is supported by labor unions, corporate executives, environmentalists and energy companies.

However, the measure passed on a 33-25 vote, primarily along party lines, The New York Times reported. It still faces votes in several other committees before reaching the House floor and Senate leaders say they don't have the votes to push it through as it is now written, the Times said.

"This is the biggest energy tax in the history of the United States," said one opponent, Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich.