The American Clean Energy and Security Act will make history by reducing the United States' dependency on foreign oil, creating American jobs and lowering carbon emissions, said proponents of the bill at a press conference Wednesday.
Co-sponsor of the legislation, Rep. Markey, said the act is "the most important energy and environment bill in the history of the U.S...It will create a green energy revolution not only for our country but the entire world."
Markey added that this bill reflects "the will of the American people" and has defied political expectations as well as the disbelief of experts.
Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), the act's other Co-sponsor, praised the support given to the bill by environmentalists, labor unions and a number of industries.
House members are expected to vote on the bill Friday.