Welch supports, House passes end to tax breaks for big oil, funds renewables |
Tuesday, 26 February 2008 19:00 |
Bill includes billions in long-term tax incentives for renewable energy development Washington, DC - Rep. Peter Welch today voted to boost investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency in Vermont and nationwide by reversing years of taxpayer handouts to big oil companies. The House passed the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act, H.R. 5351, ending $18 billion in subsidies to big oil companies and fully paying for major investments in clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency. "It defies common sense that taxpayer dollars continue to line the pockets of oil companies as they reap record profits quarter after quarter after quarter. With oil over $100 a barrel and our seniors, schools, farms and families already pinched by these high energy costs, it is absurd for the public to continue to subsidize these corporations," said Welch. The Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act:
"With this bill, we continue on a path toward energy independence and a pro-growth, pro-jobs greener economy of the future," added Welch. Gas prices have doubled and home heating costs have tripled for Vermont families since 2001. Exxon Mobil earlier this month reported the highest profits ever recorded by any U.S. company, with net income rising to $40.6 billion last year. The company's sales exceeded the gross domestic product of 120 countries, with Exxon Mobile earning more than $1,287 of profit for every second of 2007. H.R. 5351 is similar to the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act (H.R. 2776) that passed the House as part of a bipartisan energy package in August 2007. |