Knowing of your interest in issues affecting rural America, I am writing to update you on recent developments in Congress.
As Co-chair of the Congressional Rural Caucus, I am dedicated to finding solutions to the unique challenges facing our state. Americans are demanding action to solve issues plaguing our nation, but we are failing to meet promises, including that of energy independence. I share those concerns and understand the need for reform. Unfortunately, instead of open debate and decisive action, congressional leadership is again moving forward with sweeping, partisan legislation that will mean higher prices and less energy security.
The latest of these proposals, the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) would implement a "cap and trade" approach in an attempt to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and curtail global climate change. Under this program, regulated entities such as power plants, factories and refineries would be allocated a certain number of credits to emit GHGs, and the remaining credits would be auctioned off or distributed. Emitters using fewer of these credits than annually allotted may sell excess allowances to those which do not.
We must invest more in clean, renewable energy, but it is widely believed cap and trade would do more harm than good. A recent analysis found H.R. 2454 may increase a families annual energy bill by up to $1,500. In addition, by incentivizing the relocation of manufacturing plants to countries with less stringent environmental regulations, this plan could result in a loss of as many as 7 million jobs. After hearing from constituents, small business owners and dozens of agricultural groups all opposed to this bill, I voted against implementing the cap and trade regime.
As you know, Nebraska is one of the few state not facing a budget shortfall, and was recently named "America's fiscally happiest state"by Mainstreet.com. This feat was not accomplished by tax-and-spend policies or excessive government mandates, but instead was a culmination of fiscal responsibility and common sense. I think our federal government should take note.
Our country is faced with the challenge of improvement and the opportunity for advancement. I am committed to promoting a safe, responsible path to national security and energy independence without higher taxes and more government intrusion. Please do not hesitate to contact me if ever I may be of service.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Letter from Congressman Adrian Smith
Knowing of your interest in issues affecting rural America, I am writing to update you on recent developments in Congress.
As Co-chair of the Congressional Rural Caucus, I am dedicated to finding solutions to the unique challenges facing our state. Americans are demanding action to solve issues plaguing our nation, but we are failing to meet promises, including that of energy independence. I share those concerns and understand the need for reform. Unfortunately, instead of open debate and decisive action, congressional leadership is again moving forward with sweeping, partisan legislation that will mean higher prices and less energy security.
The latest of these proposals, the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) would implement a "cap and trade" approach in an attempt to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and curtail global climate change. Under this program, regulated entities such as power plants, factories and refineries would be allocated a certain number of credits to emit GHGs, and the remaining credits would be auctioned off or distributed. Emitters using fewer of these credits than annually allotted may sell excess allowances to those which do not.
We must invest more in clean, renewable energy, but it is widely believed cap and trade would do more harm than good. A recent analysis found H.R. 2454 may increase a families annual energy bill by up to $1,500. In addition, by incentivizing the relocation of manufacturing plants to countries with less stringent environmental regulations, this plan could result in a loss of as many as 7 million jobs. After hearing from constituents, small business owners and dozens of agricultural groups all opposed to this bill, I voted against implementing the cap and trade regime.
As you know, Nebraska is one of the few state not facing a budget shortfall, and was recently named "America's fiscally happiest state"by Mainstreet.com. This feat was not accomplished by tax-and-spend policies or excessive government mandates, but instead was a culmination of fiscal responsibility and common sense. I think our federal government should take note.
Our country is faced with the challenge of improvement and the opportunity for advancement. I am committed to promoting a safe, responsible path to national security and energy independence without higher taxes and more government intrusion. Please do not hesitate to contact me if ever I may be of service.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment