Congressman John D. Dingell

April 15, 2008

Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) put out the following statement today in response to the continued economic slump plaguing American families:

“Economists and other experts continue to inform us that a carbon tax is the most effective and efficient way at getting at the problem of global warming.  A few months back I put forward for conversation the idea of a carbon fee, a gas tax and a reduction in the mortgage interest deduction for very large McMansions - policies intended to reduce our carbon emissions and combat global warming.   When I initially began looking at this proposal, the price of a gallon of gas was significantly lower than it is today and the economy was not in recession.  Times have changed; our economy has taken a hard downward turn and now is not the time for us to put any additional financial burden on the working families of Michigan or this nation. 

“The reality is that this proposal is off the table for now.  I simply cannot support these policies at a time when families in my district are dealing with record gas prices, high levels of unemployment, a home foreclosure crisis and rising food costs.  Families all across America, and particularly in Michigan where people are really hurting, are feeling the failed economic policies of the Bush Administration and they need relief.  We need to focus our attention on ways of making groceries, utilities, and health care more affordable for working families.  We need to make sure people are able to stay in their homes and do not go bankrupt paying for college.  We must take bold action to stimulate our economy. 

“I am pleased to have received so many comments on my carbon tax proposal since I put it out to begin the national conversation we need to have on the issue of global warming.  The fact that more than 2,900 people took the time to look over the proposal and give me their thoughts proves that the issue of global warming, and how to most effectively address it, is a top priority of the American people. 

“It may come as a surprise to some that 61.4 percent of the people who responded to the question ‘Do you approve of the idea of a carbon tax?’ responded ‘yes.’   Some of the respondents even pointed out that a properly designed and considered carbon tax could include an adjustment mechanism to address changing economic circumstances, and many nations have in fact employed this policy tool. 

“In addition, 57 percent of those who responded to the question ‘Do you approve of the idea of a cap and trade system?’ responded ‘yes.’  

“This leads me to one conclusion: people desperately want action on global warming. 

“I will continue to work on a comprehensive climate change bill that will seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60-80 percent by 2050 and will include a cap-and-trade proposal.”