Western Caucus Press Releases

House and Senate Republicans Hold Bicameral Hearing on Job-Killing Energy Tax
With One Day Left Before the Start of August Recess-Democrats Leave Americans Asking: “Where Are the Jobs?”

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Jul 30, 2009 - Today, Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) and Senate Western Caucus Chairman John Barasso (R-WY), along with fellow Western Caucus members from both the House and Senate sponsored a bicameral hearing to address examine the specific economic impact cap and trade policies are likely to have on the West and the nation.  At 10.2%, the West currently suffers from the highest regional unemployment rate.

REP. BISHOP (UT-01): “As westerners and families across the country are making responsible decisions to live within their means during these challenging times, it makes absolutely no sense to pass a National Energy Tax bankrolled by hardworking taxpayers.  The American people have been very clear and consistent with a resounding message that their one priority has been, and continues to be, the economy and the preservation and creation of jobs.  It is unfortunate that some in Congress have chosen to ignore them.”

Myth: Cap and trade will result in a net increase of jobs throughout the nation.
Fact: Due to the regulations and mandates created by cap and trade, millions of jobs will be outsourced to countries with friendlier regulatory environments such as China and India.

SEN. BARRASSO (WY): “Folks in Wyoming and throughout the West can not afford to take our prosperity for granted.   If we pass Waxman-Markey, or a bill like it, that prosperity will be eroded significantly.  This bill would shut down existing red, white and blue jobs, for the sake of a few potential green jobs.  We need all the jobs.  Waxman-Markey is the wrong approach for America.”

Myth: Cap and trade will provide a net benefit to low-income households.
Fact: Low-income households will be hit hardest.  The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that energy price increases resulting from a 15% cut in CO2 emissions would cost low-income families more than 3% of their after-tax income, while the wealthy would only pay over 1%.

REP. HASTINGS (WA-04): “While most of today’s news is focused on the status of the Democrats’ government-run healthcare plan, Americans should know that the threat of a National Energy Tax is as a real as ever. In fact, earlier this week, a Senate Democrat reported that committees are on track to move forward with their National Energy Tax bill by the end of September. As the West suffers from a 10.2 % unemployment rate – the highest regional rate in the country - now is the worst time possible for the Democrat Congress to pass a bill that will kill jobs, spike energy bills and increase gas prices. Instead, they should support the Republican all-of-the-above energy bill to create new jobs and new energy sources,” Rep. Hastings serves as Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee.  

REP. REHBERG (MT-AL): “I unequivocally oppose Cap & Tax and any policy that is meant to increase energy prices. I oppose using taxes and regulations to pick winners and create losers in the marketplace.  Those decisions belong in the hands of consumers.  I support energy alternatives and conservation as part of a comprehensive energy plan designed increase the domestic supply of energy to bring prices down.  While there’s never a good time for the government to hamstring the economy, I can think of few worse times then now.” Rep. Rehberg is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

REP. LUMMIS (WY-AL): “While this Democrat national energy tax was irresponsibly forced through the House approximately a month ago, it is my hope that our colleagues in the Senate can slow this runaway train down and keep it from reaching the President’s desk.  We simply cannot afford to sacrifice substance for expediency on a climate change plan that will have such dramatic effects on our nation’s energy reliability and the pocketbook of nearly every American taxpayer.”


Myth: Cap and trade will inject much needed stimulus into the struggling job market.
Fact:   Economists have historically proven that free and competitive markets prove far more efficient and successful that when the government artificially alters the natural market process.  

REP. COFFMAN (CO-06): “Today’s hearing is especially important because the majority party in Congress has stifled open debate on the Cap-and-Trade issue.  I have been extremely disappointed by this lack of transparency and the testimony provided by today has helped paint a more complete picture of how Cap-and-Trade will affect our nation.