The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee on Thursday evening approved by 33-25 a climate bill aimed at capping and reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and lowering the country's dependence on foreign oil.

The over 930-page bill, named the American Clean Energy and Security Act, calls for a 17 percent reduction in emissions of heat-trapping gases from the 2005 levels by 2020 and an 83 percent reduction by 2050.

It establishes a cap-and-trade program to control climate-altering emissions, dictates an increase in the use of renewable energy sources; and sets new efficiency standards for buildings, lighting and industrial facilities.

The chairman of the committee, Henry Waxman, a Democratic, said the bill represents "decisive and historic action" to increase America's energy security and deal with global warming.

"When this bill is enacted into law, we will break our dependence on foreign oil, make our nation the world leader in clean energy jobs and technology, and cut global-warming pollution," he said.

However, Republicans argued that the legislation would hurt the U.S. economy, raise energy prices for consumers and push American companies that use large amounts of energy to other countries.

The bill's passage served as a bookend to a week that began with President Barack Obama's announcement of a deal with auto manufacturers to impose tough new mileage and emissions standards for all cars and trucks sold in the United States starting 2012.

(Xinhua News Agency May 22, 2009)