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Washington, DC - Following today's vote on the Democrats’ multibillion dollar energy tax increase, Congressman John E. Peterson (R-Pa.), the most outspoken House member on the issue of increasing the domestic production of energy, released the following statement:
"Washington Democrats continue to ignore our growing energy crisis, and today’s vote is testament to how out of touch they are with the needs of struggling American families and small businesses. Today’s political charade – which has already been soundly rejected by the Senate and threatened to be vetoed by the president – would do nothing to alleviate record high energy prices. In fact, by increasing the tax burden to the tune of nearly $18 billion on American energy producers, the price at the pump would spike even higher, straining the already tight family budgets even further.
"Aside from raising taxes on American made energy, this bill does little to assist rural America and senior citizens living on fixed-incomes. While a $4,000 tax break on plug-in hybrids and a $240.00 rebate for those who ride their bikes to work may be well-suited for the most affluent living in large cities, it does nothing to address the energy crisis hurting so many working-class folks. What happened to the Speaker's commonsense plan to address the skyrocketing prices at the pump? We must debate meaningful energy legislation that will bring down costs, not increase them as today’s legislation would ultimately do.
"If we don't address these unaffordable, and rising, energy costs, we'll continue to see America's best jobs move overseas, where energy is cheaper and more abundant. Congress must bring forth policies that help create an environment that will promote job growth and economic expansion – not job-killing tax-hikes like we saw today."
Peterson coauthored the National Environment and Energy Development (NEED) Act, which would lift the congressional moratoria for offshore natural gas leasing. The bipartisan measure ensures states' rights, directs over $100 billion in royalties to environmental restoration and renewable energy funds, as well as $150 billion to producing states. The measure includes strong labor provisions.
To date, the NEED Act has garnered a formidable 166 cosponsors, though it has not been afforded even a subcommittee hearing.
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