An Energy Policy that Makes Sense

A new American energy policy that makes sense will help the economy grow, reduce U.S. dependence on foreign energy, encourage new sources of energy at home, and protect the environment.

Roy Blunt believes the creativity of the American people and common sense government policies can achieve each of these goals.

The heart of the Obama Administration’s energy policy is the so-called “cap and trade” legislation. This is a massive new tax on the entire economy. In effect, the government would begin selling the right to use carbon-based energy. Roy strongly opposes this plan for big new taxes and sweeping government powers.

The impact on families and taxpayers would be brutal, an average of $1,761 annually per family by the Administration’s own estimates. Other studies show even higher costs. Missourians would pay most of this national energy tax as a hidden part of their monthly electric bills, as a new cost passed on by suppliers of electricity. Everything we buy would cost more. This tax on coal-based utilities would have an especially devastating impact on Missouri where more than 85 percent of our electricity comes from coal.

This huge new tax and regulatory burden would destroy as many as 2.5 million U.S. jobs according to a Heritage Foundation study, further crippling an economy that is already very weak and struggling with high unemployment. It would cause great damage to Missouri agriculture, leading straight to higher food prices. Manufacturing and transportation would also be hit hard.

Roy voted against this ill-conceived tax hike plan when Speaker Pelosi forced it to final House approval by a narrow margin.

Instead of grabbing for new taxes and new regulatory control at every turn, the energy policy we need will encourage new production of U.S. oil, coal and natural gas in environmentally responsible ways. As we look to tomorrow, sensible policies also will emphasize greater conservation and investment in alternative fuels and next-generation energy technologies, but not government takeovers and mandates.

Economies that count on the freedom and creativity of people will prosper and create new opportunities for all Americans.

Click on the link below to see Roy's vote against the national energy tax.

House Roll Call Vote