Throughout my time in Congress, I have been a strong advocate of balancing pro-growth energy policy and the protection of precious national forests and resources. Careful development of our natural resources is important to engender a nation that seeks the outdoors for strength, uses it for entertainment and sport, and teaches future generations about conservation. Even though I support environmental conservation, by no means do I believe that global warming is an existential threat to the planet.
For example, in the 112th Congress, I voted in favor of H.R. 910, the Energy Tax Prevention Act of 2011. This bill would prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from promulgating rules regulating the emission of carbon. Carbon is a very common greenhouse gas (GHG). Some believe these gases contribute to global warming and need to be taxed to reduce emissions. Through the 2007 landmark case, Massachusetts v EPA, the United States Supreme Court determined that the EPA may regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. However, the Court did not mandate such regulation. Though climate change legislation failed in the 111th Congress, the EPA nevertheless submitted an “endangerment finding” in December 2009. This finding deems GHG a public health risk and holds that the EPA is therefore required to develop regulations that protect the general welfare.
During these tough economic times, Congress must pressure bureaucracies to develop sound policy which fully weighs the costs and benefits of rules and regulations. These rules and regulations place a hidden tax on middle-class families because it increases the cost of production or energy. To increase America’s economic standing in the world, a positive economic climate for small businesses must be fostered.
I am proud of my environmental record as a Republican. Recently, I was named “The Greenest Republican in 2010” from Republicans for Environmental Protection. I recognize that government must play a role in securing our resources and preserving our environment for future generations. However, Congress must also recognize that the best guarantee for perpetual environmental protection is to maintain a robust economy in the United States.
