WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate passed an energy bill on Thursday by a 86-8 margin with broad bi-partisan support.

In response to the passing of the legislation, United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., tonight released the following statement after voting for an energy bill that promotes greater American energy independence and efficiency. 

Earlier today, Sen. Landrieu had cast the sole Democratic vote opposing a proposal that would have left Louisiana industry footing the multi-billion-dollar bill for the new policies.  In an otherwise largely party-line vote of 59-to-40, supporters of the legislation came just one vote short of the 60 required to move forward. 

Following this evening’s vote, Sen. Landrieu said:

"Tonight the Senate passed the most comprehensive overhaul in years of the nation's fuel economy standards and incentives for renewable fuels. These are wise steps worth taking to move the United States closer to energy independence, and I am proud to join the bipartisan consensus of 86 senators supporting them.

"This package is a significant improvement over legislation we successfully defeated this morning, which would have left Louisiana footing the bill for the nation's progress. One-sided policymaking solves few problems, and America’s path forward depends on a comprehensive, balanced approach to energy conservation and domestic production.  We must invest in smart energy solutions for the future, but not at the expense of the states that strengthen our energy security today."