U.S. Congressman John Boozman 3rd District of Arkansas

Cap and Trade

Energy

We need to decrease our dependence on foreign countries for our energy. To do this we must increase production of American energy, through more energy exploration and production here at home. Congress needs to open up a small sliver of ANWR in Alaska and the outer continental shelf for energy exploration, encourage the construction of new refineries and more nuclear power plants and promote efficiency and new sources of renewable energy. Each of these would reduce pain at the pump. It’s very important to understand that gas prices and other types of energy prices are related to each other. For example, if we want to start using more plug-in hybrids, we’re going to have to increase our electricity production to charge up these gas-electric cars. That’s why it’s so important to support nuclear, clean coal, and alternative energy sources. Also, if this Congress will take these steps, it will send an immediate signal to speculators and other investors that we are serious about increasing production, and costs will begin to come down in the short term as well as the long term.

We must work to pass legislation that allows us to become energy independent so we aren’t forced to pay high prices for gasoline like we experienced in the summer of 2008.

What is cap-and-trade?

Cap-and-trade, or emissions trading, is a proposal by President Obama that forces companies in the U.S. to limit carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to a certain "cap" or maximum. Each company is granted a certain amount of allowed emission credits. Companies that exceed their allowed credit limit, must purchase or "trade" credits with other companies that have excess credits.

Chairman Emeritus of Energy and Commerce Committee, John Dingell (D-MI), calls cap and trade as it is: “Nobody in this country realizes that cap and trade is a tax, and it’s a great big one,” he said in a committee hearing in April of 2009.

Cap-and-trade is nothing more than a tax and it would have a dramatic impact on our economy.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has testified before Congress that under a cap-and-trade program, additional costs to firms would ultimately be passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.

Estimates show cap-and-trade would result in a $645 billion tax on American industry and could cost every American family as much as $3,100 per year in the way of high energy prices.

In September of 2009, CBS News reported a previously unreleased statement that shows the White House is aware that cap-and-trade could cost families $1,761 a year.

In this economic climate it is irresponsible for Washington to impose rules that would make hardworking American taxpayers who are tightening their belts to pay more money for their everyday necessities like electricity.

Congressman Boozman voted against cap and trade when it came to a vote on the House floor on June 26, 2009.

The Daily Truth about Cap and Tax

#1: Federal Government Intrusion:  The Federal Government Wants to Tell You How to Build Your House

#2: Pelosi Wants Fannie and Freddie to do to our National Energy Policy what Has Been Done to the Housing Market

#3: Creates the Largest Welfare Program in Our Nation’s History

#4: Promotes “Green Banks” At a Time of Record Job Losses

#5: Taxpayer-Funded Mobile Homes

#6: Uses American Tax Dollars to Plant Trees

#7: Yet Another Taxpayer-Funded Giveaway to ACORN

#8: Increases Utillity Rates on America's Families and Businesses

#9: Taxpayer Dollars to Help Developing Countries "Adapt" to Climate Change
 
#10: Raises Electricity Prices and Kills Jobs

#11: Tells Real Estate Appraisers How do do Their Jobs

#12: Attempts to save trees in the Congo while forcing Americans to pay more for energy

#13: Higher Energy Rates to Pay for Bike Paths in Senegal

#14: No Household Appliance is Safe from Government Regulation

#15: Subsidizes Studies on Human Behavior 

#16 Taxpayer-Funded “Carbon Content” Labels

#17 Taxpayer Sponsored Infomercials

#18 Marketing “Location-Efficient” Mortgages with Taxpayer Dollars

#19 Federal Government: If It Works, We’ll Replace It


What’s Your Household’s Cap-and-Trade Tax Burden?

Household Cap-and-Trade Burden Calculator

Alternative Solution

I am a proud co-sponsor of The American Energy Innovation Act, comprehensive energy legislation for the 111th Congress, that represents a fiscally responsible approach to reducing our dependence on foreign energy, providing a cleaner environment, and putting Americans to work by: 
·Encouraging innovation within the energy market to create the renewable fuel options and energy careers of tomorrow. 
·Promoting greater conservation and efficiency by providing incentives for easing energy demand and creating a cleaner, more sustainable environment. 
·Increasing the production of American energy by responsibly utilizing all available resources and technologies and streamlining burdensome regulations.