(Washington, D.C.)  Today, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers voted against Cap and trade legislation that would have imposed a massive tax increase on hard working families.  In fact, The Wall Street Journal called H.R. 2454 the“biggest tax in American history.”

“Sadly, this bill is just an expensive job killer that will hurt American families, farmers and small businesses,” McMorris Rodgers said. “At a time when our economy is hurting, we should explore ways of making clean, American energy more affordable—not adding to the cost of energy and eliminating jobs.”

Cap and trade will have a severe impact on our economy.  According to a recent non-partisan study, the legislation would eliminate 3,200 jobs in Eastern Washington and raise gasoline prices.  It will raise the average American family’s energy bill by $1,500 each year.

Instead of the energy tax, McMorris Rodgers favors development of every possible source of clean, American energy.  As the ranking member on the Water and Power Subcommittee, McMorris Rodgers successfully added language to an alternative measure, the American Energy Act, which would classify traditional and new forms of hydropower as renewable energy.

“Our abundant hydropower protects local Eastern Washington families from some of the harshest consequences from the energy tax,” McMorris Rodgers said. “But cap-and-trade will hurt all Americans, and hobble America’s drive for energy independence.”

The American Energy Act not only promotes the use of hydropower and nuclear energy, but also encourages clean exploration and development of oil and oil shale.  It also streamlines the development of new energy sources and refineries and encourages homeowners and businesses to improve energy efficiency.

“Let’s begin saying yes to American energy,” McMorris Rodgers said.  “We can create jobs, lower energy costs and achieve American energy independence by unleashing all forms of energy that are available right here at home.”

Contact:
Destry Henderson
202-225-2006
202-279-0418