Issue Position: Cap & Trade

Issue Position

"Protecting the environment is critical..."

In Central New York, the Adirondacks and in the North Country, we know that protecting the environment is critical to both our economy and to our very survival. However, the House of Representatives last year passed the so called "Cap & Trade" bill that seeks to limit carbon dioxide and other pollution. Under the basic terms of the bill, Democrats want to force companies who emit pollution to buy permits to release more pollution than what they are allotted. Those who emit less can sell their unused allotment to others who emit more. Such a Cap & Trade system has been tried overseas, and the result has not been positive: little to no effect on CO2 emissions, while having a negative impact on the economy. China, Mexico, India and other rapidly developing nations would be the true winners if Cap & Trade would ever become law. They can continue to pollute without restriction, while U.S. companies get hit with a tax. That tax will ultimately fall to us -- the consumer. Any family that uses a typical amount of energy would find themselves paying over $2,000 or more in energy bills each year. It doesn't make sense as a businessman and it makes no sense for the families of the 23rd Congressional District

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