Logo

Cap and Trade

I am a strong supporter of environmental stewardship, but the benefits of the Democrat's Cap and Trade plan are too low and the costs to Americans too high.

Cap and trade is one way to attempt to manage pollution - most notably carbon dioxide.  In its current form the Democrats want to force companies who emit pollution to buy permits to release more pollution than what they are allotted.  Those who emit less can sell their unused allotment to others who emit more.  Cap-and-trade has been tried in Europe, and has had no affect whatsoever on CO2 emissions, but it has had a harmful effect on the economy. 

The Democrats are asking consumers to pick up the tab for the cost of their bill.  It's been estimated that the current cap and trade proposal will raise a single household's energy bill by 77 to 129 percent.  That means if you're energy bill is $160 a month, under this bill, it could soar to $390 per month.  It will increase gas prices, food prices, consumer product prices, and the cost of government. 

Even President Obama Admitted "electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket" under his cap-and-trade program (January 2008).  Anyone using a car, public transportation, electricity or any product that involves creating CO2 would face higher prices.  Under this plan families can expect to pay an additional $3,000 in energy costs per year.

The additional costs the Democrats are asking to taxpayers to bear is all done to affect one one-hundredth of a degree in global warming.  Again, the benefits of the Democrat's cap and trade plan are too low and the costs to Americans too high.

We need meaningful solutions, which is why I am a sponsor of the American Energy Act.  This bill will increase American energy production made by American workers, encourage greater efficiency and conservation, and promote the use of clean, alternative fuels.