Washington, DC – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) expressed support for the Energy Tax Prevention Act of 2011 at a hearing of the Subcommittee on Energy and Power today.  The legislation would prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from imposing “cap-and trade” by regulation, leaving this important decision in the hands of the people’s elected representatives, instead of delegating them to unelected bureaucrats.

“Last November, the American people rejected the failed Big Government policies which have caused the longest streak of high unemployment since the Great Depression,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers, who sits on the Subcommittee.  “Instead of listening to the people, the Administration is quietly working to impose ‘cap and trade’ through the backdoor.   That is unacceptable.  At a time when there are 28 million Americans who would like full-time jobs but don't have one, we can’t afford another job-crushing Big Government scheme.”

The Energy Tax Prevention Act clarifies that the Clean Air Act of 1990 authorizes the EPA to monitor and regulate pollutants; not to address climate change through the regulation of greenhouse gasses.  The Energy Tax Prevention Act does not weaken the EPA’s regulation of air pollution. 

Rep. McMorris Rodgers spoke about the bill at today’s Republican Leadership press conference.  To watch her remarks, click here.

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