Issue Position: Energy

Issue Position

Congressman Marchant believes that excessive government regulation and increased taxes have led to a distortion of the energy market, causing prices to exceed what they would be in a free market. In an effort to return to a free market in energy, Congressman Marchant has cosponsored numerous bills that would help to reduce America's dependence on foreign sources of oil, increase our supply of domestically-produced energy, encourage conservation, and expand research into alternative and renewable energy technologies.

Congressman Marchant cosponsored the American Energy Act, which would increase domestic energy exploration and production, incentivize research and development of clean alternative and renewable energy technologies, and encourage fuel efficiency and conservation.

Congressman Marchant cosponsored the No More Excuses Energy Act, which would repeal the prohibition on producing oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).

Congressman Marchant cosponsored the National Environment and Energy Development Act, which would remove the long-standing federal prohibitions on the domestic production of supplies of offshore natural gas.

Congressman Marchant cosponsored the National Conservation, Environment, and Energy Independence Act, which would amend federal policy to increase production of domestic energy sources and dedicate a fixed portion of the royalties received for conservation programs, environmental restoration projects, renewable energy research and development, and clean energy technology research and development.

On June 26, 2009, Congressman Marchant voted against the cap-and-trade bill. Congressman Marchant strongly opposes cap-and-trade legislation because it will relocate millions of American jobs overseas and amounts to the largest tax increase in American history.

According to the Texas Comptroller, Texas could lose 135,000 jobs in 2012 as a result of cap-and-trade, resulting in a decline in gross state product between $10 to $20 billion and a decrease in disposable income between $7 and $15 billion. The average Texas household could pay up to an extra $1,136 on household goods and services over a year, with a potential cost to Texas families of $6.9 billion. The Heritage Foundation estimates that cap-and-trade will raise gasoline prices by 58% and would cost American families nearly $3,000 a year in increased energy costs.

Job loss is also a serious concern with the Democrats' cap-and-trade plan. The National Association of Manufacturers predicts 3-4 million people will lose their jobs. The Heritage Foundation estimates job loss could be over 5 million if cap-and-trade is implemented.

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