Walsh Urges Responsible Energy Bill
Letter
WALSH URGES RESPONSIBLE ENERGY BILL
Opposes Last-Minute Tax Increase that Would Make Bad Situation Worse
Congressman Walsh today opposed the House Democrat's latest attempt at an energy bill that would negatively impact the nation's energy independence, would hinder economic growth, and promote the loss of American jobs. The legislation lost bipartisan support when the Democratic majority tried to ram through a last-minute $21 billion tax hike -- a $16 billion increase from the original bill. The Senate has already indicated that the legislation will be defeated if it includes the tax increase.
"It is time for the Majority to stop playing games and start getting serious about energy policy," said Walsh. "It is foolish to think that we will somehow lower gas prices and lessen our dependence on foreign energy by raising taxes on our own domestic energy industry. Instead of this ham-fisted approach, House leadership needs to sit down, on a bipartisan basis, to craft an energy bill that actually produces energy, lowers prices at the pump, and protects jobs."
Walsh will continue to push for an increase in corporate average fuel efficiency (CAFE) standards, a renewable fuel mandate to mix 36 billion gallons of ethanol and other biofuels into the gasoline supply, and a renewable energy standard calling for 15% of electricity production to come from renewable resources (RES).
"I am a strong supporter of measures that lead us away from dependency on foreign oil and increase our reliance on renewable resources made right here at home," said Walsh. "Along with my colleague Rep. Todd Platts (PA-19), I am sending a letter urging the Senate to strip the oppressive tax provision, maintain the CAFE and RES language, and give the American public a responsible energy bill."
Walsh is an original co-sponsor of HR 1506: Fuel Economy Reform Act, and HR 969: Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard. In August 2007, he voted in favor of H.R. 3221, which established a comprehensive energy policy, and in January of this year, he voted in favor of HR 6: Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007. He has consistently voted against tax increases that would strain the economy and hinder U.S. energy independence.
The following is a copy of the letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell:
December 6, 2007
The Honorable Harry Reid
Majority Leader
S-221 The Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20510
The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Republican Leader
S-321 The Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Majority Leader Reid and Republican Leader McConnell:
It is important for this Congress to draft and implement a comprehensive energy policy which will give the American public a new and secure direction in creating greater energy independence.
We members of the House strongly support legislative language that would increase CAFE standards to 35 mpg and an increase to the renewable fuel mandate. In addition, we believe a renewable energy standard of 15% by 2020 should be included in a final energy package. However, we cannot support the inclusion of the $21 billion tax package.
The American public deserves a clean energy bill that is just that, clean. Although many of the provisions included in the legislation have broad bipartisan support, the tax provision would hinder the progress we have made thus far this past year. At a time when greater energy security is a primary focus for our nation, inclusion of such provisions would make America less safe and would continue our energy dependence on foreign resources.
We are very close to a bipartisan agreement. We urge the Senate to pass legislation that strips the tax provisions and reaches a compromise on the RES. The time is here for all of us to act together and bring forth a clean energy bill that is sensible and will be signed into law.
We will work for final passage by year's end if the measure is returned to the House without these oppressive tax provisions.
Sincerely,
James T. Walsh
Member of Congress
Todd Russell Platts
Member of Congress
Source