Walberg: Instead of Rewarding Foreign Oil Companies, Expand American Energy Production

Press Release

U.S. Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI) issued the following statement after voting against today's energy tax increase legislation, H.R. 5351. The legislation would raise taxes on energy produced in America and increase American reliance on foreign energy.

"Gas prices are above three dollars across south-central Michigan and have risen steadily since last year, causing families on a budget to cringe every time they travel to the pump," Walberg said.

"The answer to our current energy situation is simple: we need to break our dependence on foreign oil. Instead of working towards this goal, Democratic leadership crafted legislation that actually increases our dependence on foreign oil. This bill will raise taxes on American energy producers and send American jobs overseas by removing incentives for American manufacturers to invest and grow, while failing to produce any more energy. America needs to become energy independent and turn to alternative energy sources like solar, wind, cellulosic ethanol, bio-diesel, and other clean alternatives, and in the short term, increase carbon-free nuclear power and clean-coal technology rather than increase our reliance on Middle East energy. We also need to encourage conservation and allow exploration in Alaska, the Outer Continental Shelf and the Gulf of Mexico."

BACKGROUND:

- Congressman Walberg has co-sponsored legislation that would increase our use of alternative energy such as ethanol (H.R. 635), bio-diesel (H.R. 3781 and H.R. 2178), solar (H.R. 550) and wind (H.R. 197), while supporting hydro-electricity (Roll Call No. 829) and providing incentives for green building construction (H.R. 539).

- Democrats admit H.R. 5351 is a political vote that will not increase American energy production:

"It's a political exercise."
-- Rep. Gene Green (D-TX), Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, on his party leadership's decision to bring a multi-billion dollar energy tax hike to the floor for a fourth time this Congress. (CongressDaily AM, 2/8/08)

"Raising taxes on American businesses will not make us more energy independent, and less domestic energy production means higher energy costs for Louisianians. I cannot support a policy that does that."
-- Rep. Charles Melancon (D-LA), Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee. (Release on H.R. 2776 and H.R. 3221, 8/5/07)

"I opposed the energy tax increases because I was concerned they could discourage the domestic energy production needed to lower gasoline and utility prices for our families and businesses."
-- Rep. Chet Edwards (D-TX), Member of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee. (Release on H.R. 2776 and H.R. 3221, 8/6/07)

- H.R. 5351 would slap an additional $16 to $21 billion in new taxes on American firms that produce energy and raise heating and gas prices for working Americans.

Source