Poll: Time For An Energy Tax?

Letter

Dear Friend,

As snow falls in parts of Southwest Louisiana, the President's push to enact a new energy-production tax to slow global warming seems a bit out of place.

Next week, world leaders including President Obama will gather in Copenhagen to discuss ways to limit carbon emissions. However, as the U.S. economy struggles to recover, is a new energy tax the right prescription to create jobs?

I don't believe so, but I think the President believes hiking taxes on America's energy producers by $2 billion will save American jobs. Energy jobs along the Gulf Coast are critical to our area's economy, and raising taxes will cost jobs and drive up the cost at the pump. According to the EPA, the President's proposal could raise gas prices by as much as $1.27 per gallon.

Higher taxes on American energy also makes foreign sources of energy cheaper. Thus, energy companies will look overseas. Higher taxes will lead to a further slow down in production and fewer jobs. Lower taxes on energy producers here will make American energy more competitive, allowing companies to expand and hire new workers.

Responsible energy production creates thousands of jobs in our area. While maintaining resources for future generations, we can tap into America's abundant energy sources like natural gas to help solve our energy needs. And, we don't need a gloabal conference to show us how. Louisiana is already leading the way.

Sincerely,

Charles W. Boustany, Jr. M.D.
Member of Congress

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