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Washington, D.C. – Congressman Pete Visclosky issued the following statement today after voting no on the American Clean Energy and Security Act, legislation that would establish a cap and trade regime to reduce carbon emissions in the U.S.:
“Climate change is real. It is a serious problem that threatens our way of life, and I am committed to working to solve it.
“Although significant progress has been made on this bill on a number of fronts that would hold down the cost of electricity to residential and industrial customers and help level the playing field for our steel and manufacturing industries that face international competition, the bill still falls short.
“The legislation considered today leaves no margin of error as it relates to jobs in the domestic steel industry, stoking my greatest fear that it will result in a net loss of jobs in Northwest Indiana. I remain seriously concerned about the long-term ramifications that this unilateral action to combat climate change will have on American competitiveness and American workers. We can’t just hope that other countries will follow suit and choose to act concurrently. Additionally, from my perspective this legislation assumes no growth in American industry, including steel.
“I see the need for climate change legislation, but we still have more work to do before this package is ready. The nature of the problem demands a balanced approach that ensures competitiveness and protects American jobs.” |
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