Cap And Trade's Negative Impact On Rural America

Floor Speech

Cap-And-Trade's Negative Impact On Rural America

Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I have serious concerns about cap-and-trade legislation and its impact on the American people, especially rural communities. This, at its core, is a national energy tax which will be passed on to the American people. The stakes are even higher for our Nation's agriculture industry.

Agriculture is an energy-intensive industry, relying on fuel for the pickup truck, fertilizer for the crops, and generators to keep heaters on during the winter.

The Third District of Nebraska is one of the largest agricultural districts in the country, home to more than 30,000 farmers and ranchers. And everyone knows that even a small increase in the operating costs would have dire results.

As higher energy prices hit other areas of our economy, farmers and ranchers will pay more for seed, equipment, steel and other supplies. As the cost of production increases, so will the price of food on the shelves in urban areas.

This national energy tax is the wrong way to go, and certainly my colleagues know that.

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