(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA) issued the following statement shortly before the vote on House Democrats' new national energy tax bill, which will amount to over $3,000 in additional energy expenses per household.  You can see video of his speech on the House Floor here.

“This is one of the most sweeping, damaging pieces of legislation that I have seen during my time in Congress and I am deeply concerned that it will have a devastating impact on our economy for years to come.  I am opposed to putting a new national energy tax on working Americans and small businesses as we endure the most serious economic downturn since the Great Depression.  In fact, the Wall Street Journal has labeled it as ‘likely the biggest tax in American history.’  This legislation will kill jobs in Northern California and all across the United States. 

“People living and working in rural areas will be especially hard hit by the resulting skyrocketing gasoline and electricity prices caused by this legislation.  People living in areas like the 2nd Congressional District spend 58% more on fuel than those in urban areas, and according to the Heritage Foundation, the Democrat Leadership’s bill will cause gas prices to rise an additional 58%.  As for protecting our environment and reducing global temperatures, the major purpose of the bill, it will have very little impact because high polluting developing nations like China and India have adamantly refused to adopt similar emission standards.

“This deeply flawed legislation will put America at a significant economic disadvantage.  At a time when people are struggling to make ends meet and sacrificing so that they can take care of their families, House Democrats are pushing a national energy tax that will result in more expensive food, fuel, and electricity as the cost gets passed onto consumers.  I firmly believe that we need to be putting people into lasting jobs, not burdening them with tax increases which do such significant damage.”