Royce Opposes National Energy Tax on Americans

Statement

Royce Opposes National Energy Tax on Americans

Rep. Ed Royce, in an effort to protect taxpayers from an unprecedented national energy tax, opposed the Democrat Leadership's legislation - the Waxman-Markey Cap and Trade Plan. Royce, a cosponsor of the Republican energy alternative, which would increase American energy production by American workers, issued the following statement after the vote today:

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

"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 this plan is asking taxpayers to bear is done to affect one one-hundredth of a degree in global warming. Again, I believe the benefits of the 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."

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