E-Newsletter
Energy

Cap-and-Trade

The leading energy issue in Congress is one which is very important to Missouri: carbon taxes, also known as Cap-and-Trade taxes, which would levy a surcharge on every watt of electricity, drop of gasoline, and degree on the thermostat used by Missouri families and businesses. Some estimates place the effect of these proposed taxes in terms of trillions of dollars to our national economy and tens of thousands of lost jobs at home in Missouri. The revenues collected by the federal government would approach nearly a trillion dollars over ten years, but the cumulative effect of Cap-and-Trade on the U.S. economy would be far more severe, far longer-lasting, and far harsher for working families.

Not only did I oppose Cap-and-Trade when it was voted upon in the U.S. House of Representatives, I am also working in a bipartisan way to eliminate the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency to implement a Cap-and-Trade policy without the specific consent of Congress. In this way, I have brought my colleagues together on an effort to stop the regulatory process before it reaches every customer of energy – every family and business – in the United States.

Gas Tax

Volatile and high gas prices place a significant burden on American families, particularly those who live in rural areas like Southern Missouri. Proposals to increase the federal gas tax on consumers or to raise tax burdens on domestic energy companies are no solution to our energy problems. We must expand energy exploration in the U.S. in order to boost domestic production. Simultaneously, we must encourage the production and use of alternative energies in order to bring more stability to the marketplace for consumers. I remain committed to achieving this goal by working with my colleagues towards solutions that develop the energy of tomorrow while maximizing U.S. resources today.

Domestic Exploration

In the United States, we are blessed with abundant natural resources including oil reserves. Unfortunately, this oil remains in the ground, and our dependency on foreign oil continues because environmental regulations prevent exploration of these natural resources. We must also support and utilize the renewable energy sources that are available to us. These renewable technologies include wind, solar, clean coal and ethanol. We need an energy policy that increases all forms of American energy, enhances conservation, and invests in future fuels at the same time. I have supported the development of these innovative resources.

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy alternatives offer us domestic energy sources that are helpful to the environment and to America's family farmers. I look forward to supporting the continued development and utilization of these technologies. They will play an important role in the future of our energy independence. Reducing our dependence on foreign oil is as vital as supporting the development and utilization of alternative energy sources. The solution must be comprehensive. We are not going to fix this problem with a windmill only, nuclear only, or conservation only solution. We must make long-term changes to our nation’s energy policy.

 

Relevant Legislation and Status:

HR 6 - the Creating Long-Term Energy Alternatives for the Nation (CLEAN Energy) Act. This bill limited tax benefits provided to oil and gas companies and required current offshore fuel producers to pay royalties if they are currently not paying them. Revenues generated from these provisions will be directed towards alternative energy and conservation measures. 12/19/2007 Became Public Law No: 110-140

HR 1190 – the Renewable Biomass Facilitation Act. This legislation would bring more renewable fuels out of our forests and put them into use as a source of energy. Right now, many resources on federal lands are prohibited from use as a cellulosic energy resource even when the forest byproducts are removed to contain diseases, stop the spread of insect infestation, or to restore the health of the forest ecosystem.

Position Statements:

Offshore Drilling – I have supported amendments offered to the Interior Appropriations bill to allow for oil and natural gas drilling.

Energy Efficiency – I have supported amendments offered to the various Appropriations bills requiring the use of energy efficient light bulbs in government offices.

I have cosponsored a bill to extend tax credits to encourage the construction of energy efficient buildings.

Helpful Links:

http://www.energy.gov/
http://www.dnr.mo.gov/energy/
http://thomas.loc.gov/