First United States Republican President

Thank you for contacting me regarding the American Clean Energy and Security Act. It’s good to hear from you.

The American Clean Energy and Security Act, which was introduced by House Energy and Commerce Chairman Waxman (D-CA) and Energy and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Markey (D-MA), narrowly passed the House on June 26, 2009. I joined a bipartisan coalition of 212 members who opposed this legislation, which now awaits consideration in the Senate.

This proposal will mandate a national cap-and-tax rule, capping the carbon emissions of every domestic energy producer in America by forcing them to purchase allowances for their greenhouse gas emissions. This tax will not, however, be borne by large energy conglomerates and their executives – as the proponents of this plan would have you believe. Instead, the tax will be passed on to average American families who will have less money to save and invest during tough economic times like these.

According to research conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the cap-and-tax proposal will increase the annual cost of energy by up to $3,128 for the average American family. The true costs associated with this proposal far outpace funds allocated by the President in his budget, inviting trillions of dollars in future tax increases. As energy producers absorb cap-and-tax costs, they’ll be forced to send American jobs overseas to remain profitable, further weakening American labor and its spending capacity.

Coal is an important industry in Montana as it offers employment for thousands and provides 60% of our state’s energy. For years I’ve supported a comprehensive energy approach that promotes cleaner coal, alternative sources and increased conservation. We must also work to encourage the development of new energy technology. Unfortunately, the cap and tax proposal relies heavily on technology that is currently unavailable and untested, creating a host of new federal mandates and proposing restrictions on popular consumer goods.

With the pocketbooks of Montana families subject to fluctuating energy prices, Congress must refrain from passing legislation that reduces our energy supply, increases the cost of electricity and exports jobs overseas. Montana can and should play a key role in the future of clean energy; but to solve our nation’s energy problems, we must explore all potential solutions without punishing American workers and their families.

Thanks for contacting me about the American Clean Energy and Security Act. If you get a chance, I encourage you to visit my website at http://www.house.gov/rehberg where you can find the latest news about what’s happening in Congress. Also, if you haven’t already done so, please be sure to sign up for my free E-Newsletter at http://www.house.gov/rehberg/newsletter/ which will help keep you up-to-date with what is going on in Washington, D.C. and how it affects Montana. It’s a good source for news stories, blog posts and to read what other Montanans just like you are saying.

GLOBAL WARMING PURELY IMAGINARY AT BEST AND A FRAUD COMMITTED AGAINST MANKIND AT FACT

Sincerely,
Denny Rehberg
Montana’s Congressman