VWV Note: It's getting interesting to see how Americans, no matter what their party affiliation, are speaking out to the elected officials that are supposed to represent them. Perhaps, the players in Washington are beginning to realize that maybe, just maybe, their hometowns don't want to be taxed to death for alleged global warming and they don't want rationed health care decided by the government? And now some House members think the Senate should go first in the vote? Afraid, are they? But of whom?
I'm still trying to determine how the counseling for the end of life alternatives will go if the health care reform bill is passed as is. Not only will I lose my private healthcare insurance, but will I be "counseled" just to go on in the backyard and shoot myself? Will they have someone waiting to do it for me? Or will euthanasia be mentioned? And speaking of global warming, it's been so nice for so much of the country to be so cool this summer. Hmmm, maybe the masses of scientists who say the earth is in a normal cycle of heating and cooling will be heard? Has anyone told the sun it needs to increase its sun spots so more heat is generated? Perhaps, perhaps.......
Dems Continue to Face Backlash on National Energy Tax, Fear the Same Repercussions on Health Care
House Democrats continue to face blistering attacks back home for voting to support Speaker Pelosi’s national energy tax that will punish their constituents by increasing electricity bills, raising gasoline prices, and shipping more American jobs overseas to places like China and India. And now, as Roll Call notes this morning, they fear a similar backlash on health care:
“[Rep. Mike] Ross [D-AR] said the talks focused on outstanding policy differences, but House leaders and negotiators are also weighing political considerations as they eye the slow pace of action in the Senate.”
“Vulnerable House Democrats want the Senate to go first so they can avoid a repeat of the bruising they suffered over the July Fourth recess after edging a controversial climate change package over the line.”
House Democrats are right to be worried. The Senate has already signaled that it will not act on Speaker Pelosi’s national energy tax anytime soon, if ever. Many House Democrats were famously “BTU’d” by former Vice President Al Gore and House Democratic leaders when they were forced to vote for a massively unpopular energy tax that the Senate completely ignored 16 years ago. Here’s just a few recent examples of the heat Democrats are facing back home:
- Rep. Zack Space (D-OH): “The General Manager of Rosebud Mining, Mike Jamison, told NEWS9, ‘I am very angry because the people I live and work with and my community, I think, are at risk because of that legislation. ….Jamison said he has reached out to lawmakers including Rep. Zack Space. ‘His district has 14 coal bearing counties. He has thousands of constituents that make their living from coal and he has turned his back on them when he voted for Cap and Trade.’” – (“Coal Industry Could Suffer With Cap And Trade Bill,” WTOV-TV 9, Steubenville/Wheeling)
- Rep. John Boccieri (D-OH): “‘He’s not really representing me anymore,’ Charles Stockdale, 18, of Bethlehem Township, told Trevena. ‘I don’t feel John Boccieri is listening to us,’ said Jim Stanley, 62, of Jackson Township. ‘He’s listening to (U.S. House Speaker) Nancy Pelosi and the power brokers in Washington.’ Stanley referred to Boccieri’s June 26 vote for the climate and energy bill or cap-and-trade bill, which would set limits on plants on carbon dioxide emissions that are blamed for global warming.” – (“At least 140 People Protest Congressman’s Vote Outside Boccieri’s Office,” Canton Repository)
Now, the President and Democratic leaders are stepping up pressure on rank-and-file Democrats to support a costly government takeover of health care financed by a small business tax. With memories of the national energy tax backlash fresh in their minds, many Democrats are bracing for the same type of backlash on health care:
- Rep. John Adler (D-NJ): “When I spoke to Adler before the hearing, I assumed that as a Democrat he had been spared the wrath of the right wing for his positive vote on cap-and-trade. That was not the case. He told me that on a visit to Ocean County a few days prior he had been nearly attacked by a cluster of concerned citizens. One lady actually gave him a shove, he said... But the reaction from the Toms River crowd, I suspect, will make him think twice about voting the same way on health care as he did on cap-and-trade.” – (Paul Mulshine, “Health care reform: Taking a Shot at Controlling Costs,” The Star-Ledger)
- Rep. Dan Maffei (R-D-NY): “Hecklers, opposed to expanding taxpayer-funded health programs, repeatedly drowned out a panel of New York health care experts whom Maffei asked to discuss how America should provide insurance to 47 million uninsured people and cut the cost of health care.” – (“Central New York Crowd Fired Up Over Health Care,” Syracuse Post-Standard)
With Americans still outraged by rank-and-file Democrats supporting Speaker Pelosi’s national energy tax, the furor may grow even more intense if Democrats walk the plank again to vote for a government takeover of health care that is bankrolled by a small business tax, would force millions off of their current plans, and would put bureaucrats – not doctors and patients – in charge of personal medical decisions. Are Democrats ready to face the wrath of their constituents again? Or will they join Republicans in seeking better solutions to expand Americans’ access to affordable health care?
Showing posts with label national energy tax. Show all posts
Showing posts with label national energy tax. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
What You May Not Know About Speaker Pelosi's National Energy Tax
VWV Note: Got to wonder why last night the President easily told a TN representative who has yet decided on his vote today that the Cap and Trade Bill won't raise utility bills. Who believes that? The Cap and Trade Bill is nothing but a huge national tax. If it passes, we are all in a heap of financial trouble. Stand tall. Let your representatives know your thoughts now.
The following is from John Boehner's site and is worth reading and sending.
Speaker Pelosi’s national energy tax is going to raise electricity prices, increase gasoline prices, and ship American jobs overseas to countries like China and India. This, we know.
It would be a bureaucratic nightmare overseen by a confusing web of government agencies that would take and redistribute trillions of dollars from family budgets and workers payrolls. This, we also know. Even Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN) admitted in the Washington Post this morning that: “The truth is, nobody knows for sure how this is going to work.” How encouraging.
But what don’t we know? Here are some facts you may not know about Speaker Pelosi’s national energy tax:
Homebuyers Beware. Trying to save up for a new home? You may have to save up a little longer for your purchase. The Democrats’ bill would dramatically increase new home costs by mandating California’s expensive new building codes for the entire nation. Immediately upon enactment, the Democrats’ bill would demand a 30 percent increase in energy efficiency for new construction. A couple of years later, the Democrats’ bill would require an additional 50 percent improvement. These numbers were chosen with no concern for cost to consumers or feasibility in implementation.
Homebuilders Beware. The Democrats’ bill imposes new mandatory regulations and civil penalties for homebuilders. If your state refuses to accept the stringent and costly California building codes, the federal government may assess penalties. And don’t get too comfortable with the new mandatory regulations because the Democrats’ bill allows for “consensus-based” codes to supplant those outlined in the bill. So, as soon as you’ve invested your hard-earned money to comply with the bill’s mandates, the rug could get pulled from underneath you. Translation? You’ll pony up more and more money.
Home Sellers Beware. Having a hard time selling your home? Here’s one more hurdle to jump: all homes sales are conditioned upon an energy audit and a new energy rating assessment and energy labeling program for your home that’s outlined in the Democrats’ bill. And if you thought you could improve your property with a fresh coat of paint and some granite counters? Think again! Now your home will be subjected to a new energy rating assessment and energy labeling program that will penalize you for older windows, original fixtures, and dated appliances. So the Democrats’ bill would bring down the value of your home!
New Lights No Matter the Cost. As early as 2012, the Democrats’ bill eliminates all existing lighting technology used in many outdoor lighting fleets (parking lots, stadiums, secured facilities like power plants and factories). Just as an example, switching to the mandated technology in the bill will cost one small utility about $30 million in annual revenue. So you now have to comply with the new mandates for new lighting? Hold the phone. It is not clear that a feasible alternative technology is available for every existing lighting application – regardless of cost – which could force some businesses to close.
The consequences of Speaker Pelosi’s national energy tax for families and small businesses are real. It will drive up energy costs, send millions of jobs to countries like China and India, and place an especially heavy burden on rural America. There is a better way. House Republicans have proposed the American Energy Act, legislation that represents the fastest route to a cleaner environment, lower energy costs, and more American jobs. The legislation would:
Increase environmentally-safe energy production on remote lands and far off our shores;
Promote the use of alternative fuels that will reduce carbon emissions, such as nuclear, clean-coal, and renewable energy technologies; and
Encourage increased efficiencies and cutting edge technologies to maximize America’s energy potential.
Today’s vote on Speaker Pelosi’s ill-advised national energy tax will have consequences for every American. It is a bad deal for America. And the American people will remember how their Members of Congress vote.
The following is from John Boehner's site and is worth reading and sending.
Speaker Pelosi’s national energy tax is going to raise electricity prices, increase gasoline prices, and ship American jobs overseas to countries like China and India. This, we know.
It would be a bureaucratic nightmare overseen by a confusing web of government agencies that would take and redistribute trillions of dollars from family budgets and workers payrolls. This, we also know. Even Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN) admitted in the Washington Post this morning that: “The truth is, nobody knows for sure how this is going to work.” How encouraging.
But what don’t we know? Here are some facts you may not know about Speaker Pelosi’s national energy tax:
Homebuyers Beware. Trying to save up for a new home? You may have to save up a little longer for your purchase. The Democrats’ bill would dramatically increase new home costs by mandating California’s expensive new building codes for the entire nation. Immediately upon enactment, the Democrats’ bill would demand a 30 percent increase in energy efficiency for new construction. A couple of years later, the Democrats’ bill would require an additional 50 percent improvement. These numbers were chosen with no concern for cost to consumers or feasibility in implementation.
Homebuilders Beware. The Democrats’ bill imposes new mandatory regulations and civil penalties for homebuilders. If your state refuses to accept the stringent and costly California building codes, the federal government may assess penalties. And don’t get too comfortable with the new mandatory regulations because the Democrats’ bill allows for “consensus-based” codes to supplant those outlined in the bill. So, as soon as you’ve invested your hard-earned money to comply with the bill’s mandates, the rug could get pulled from underneath you. Translation? You’ll pony up more and more money.
Home Sellers Beware. Having a hard time selling your home? Here’s one more hurdle to jump: all homes sales are conditioned upon an energy audit and a new energy rating assessment and energy labeling program for your home that’s outlined in the Democrats’ bill. And if you thought you could improve your property with a fresh coat of paint and some granite counters? Think again! Now your home will be subjected to a new energy rating assessment and energy labeling program that will penalize you for older windows, original fixtures, and dated appliances. So the Democrats’ bill would bring down the value of your home!
New Lights No Matter the Cost. As early as 2012, the Democrats’ bill eliminates all existing lighting technology used in many outdoor lighting fleets (parking lots, stadiums, secured facilities like power plants and factories). Just as an example, switching to the mandated technology in the bill will cost one small utility about $30 million in annual revenue. So you now have to comply with the new mandates for new lighting? Hold the phone. It is not clear that a feasible alternative technology is available for every existing lighting application – regardless of cost – which could force some businesses to close.
The consequences of Speaker Pelosi’s national energy tax for families and small businesses are real. It will drive up energy costs, send millions of jobs to countries like China and India, and place an especially heavy burden on rural America. There is a better way. House Republicans have proposed the American Energy Act, legislation that represents the fastest route to a cleaner environment, lower energy costs, and more American jobs. The legislation would:
Increase environmentally-safe energy production on remote lands and far off our shores;
Promote the use of alternative fuels that will reduce carbon emissions, such as nuclear, clean-coal, and renewable energy technologies; and
Encourage increased efficiencies and cutting edge technologies to maximize America’s energy potential.
Today’s vote on Speaker Pelosi’s ill-advised national energy tax will have consequences for every American. It is a bad deal for America. And the American people will remember how their Members of Congress vote.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Buffett Calls Cap and Trade a Huge Energy Tax
The proposed national energy tax will hurt everyone. See what Warren Buffett had to say on the subject. This is up for a vote on Friday. Please let your representatives know your thoughts on the subject.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
State Legislatures Revolt Against Speaker Pelosi's New National Energy Tax
VWV Note: Are the people beginning to wake up? Will more states stand up for their citizens against the cap and trade tax? Just saw this on John Boehner's site and felt encouraged. Something I think we could all use right about now.
As gasoline prices continue to climb – rising “for the 48th straight day,” according to the Associated Press – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is sticking to her vow that Congressional Democrats will give top priority this summer to enacting a new job-killing national energy tax. And across the nation, states are beginning to rise up in opposition to the Speaker’s misguided “cap-and-tax” proposal, with a number of state legislatures passing resolutions warning Washington not to pass such a proposal. Many states fear misguided “cap-and-tax” legislation will raise energy costs for families and small businesses, increase costs on goods manufactured and sold in the U.S., and put American jobs at risk – and in resolutions and letters, they’re joining Congressional Republicans in sounding the alarm. Some examples:
Alabama Joint Resolution 109 – “[A]ny system to regulate greenhouse gas emissions must not eliminate American jobs and diminish the ability of American industry to compete in the global marketplace… [A]ny system to regulate greenhouse gas emissions must not add to the already high costs of power and gasoline;” (May 15, 2009)
Indiana Senate Resolution 76 – “Any system to regulate greenhouse gases must ensure that the adopted regime does not result in the off-shoring of international trade-sensitive industries;… Any system to regulate greenhouse gas emissions must not eliminate American jobs and diminish the ability of American industry to compete in the global marketplace.” (April 24, 2009)
Louisiana Senate Resolution 91 – “Be it resolved that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana memorializes the Congress of the United States to address the issue of global climate change through the adoption of a fair and effective approach that safeguards American jobs, ensures affordable energy for citizens, and maintains America’s global competitiveness.” (June 9, 2009)
Mississippi Senate Concurrent Resolution 584 – “[Be] it resolved… we do hereby urge the United States Congress to … (a) safeguard American jobs; (b) ensure affordable energy for American citizens and industry; (c) offer incentives for efficient practices and technologies; (d) prevent ‘emissions leakage’; and (e) maintain the global competitiveness of American industry.” (March 16, 2009)
South Carolina House Resolution 3508 – “Be it resolved by the South Carolina House of Representatives: That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, memorialize the United States Congress to address the issue of global climate change through the adoption of a fair and effective approach that safeguards American jobs, ensure affordable energy for citizens, and maintains America’s global competitiveness.” (March 3, 2009)
Tennessee House Joint Resolution 323 – “Be it resolved… that it is the sense of the Tennessee General Assembly that the State of Tennessee should only combat global climate change and reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses if and only if such a plan for doing so were structured in a manner to (1) promote American jobs; (2) avoid imposing higher energy prices on American families and industry; (3) reward early adopters of efficient practices and technologies; (4) monitor and prevent ‘emissions leakage’; and (4) champion and ensure the continued global competitiveness of American industry.” (June 8, 2009)
Letter from Members of the Illinois General Assembly – “Any system to regulate greenhouse gas emissions must not eliminate American jobs and diminish the ability of American industry to compete in the global marketplace… [C]limate change policy must not add to the already high costs of power and gasoline.”
Letter from Members of the North Carolina General Assembly – “[T]he regulation of greenhouse gas emissions must not add to the already high costs of power and gasoline… [A]ny proposal to address global climate change and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions must be structured in a way that safeguards American jobs, ensures affordable energy for American citizens and industry, offers incentives for efficient practices and technologies, prevents ‘emissions leakage’ and maintains the global competitiveness of the American industry.” (March 18, 2009)
Letter from Members of the Virginia General Assembly – “[We] urge the Members of our Congressional Delegation, when considering any system for regulating greenhouse gas emissions, to support fair and effective measures that safeguard American jobs, ensure affordable energy for citizens, and maintain America’s global competitiveness.” (February 16, 2009)
Recognizing that the best solutions often come from outside the Beltway, Reps. Devin Nunes (R-CA) and Mike Rogers (R-MI) joined with Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) earlier this year in launching the GOP State Solutions project. The goals of the project are to increase coordination among reform-minded Republican Members of Congress, governors, and state legislators; highlight the better solutions Republicans are offering at all levels of government; and educate Americans about the impact misguided Washington proposals such as Speaker Pelosi’s new national energy tax will have on states and local communities.
For more information on the State Solutions project, visit the State Solutions website at http://states.gopleader.gov/.
As gasoline prices continue to climb – rising “for the 48th straight day,” according to the Associated Press – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is sticking to her vow that Congressional Democrats will give top priority this summer to enacting a new job-killing national energy tax. And across the nation, states are beginning to rise up in opposition to the Speaker’s misguided “cap-and-tax” proposal, with a number of state legislatures passing resolutions warning Washington not to pass such a proposal. Many states fear misguided “cap-and-tax” legislation will raise energy costs for families and small businesses, increase costs on goods manufactured and sold in the U.S., and put American jobs at risk – and in resolutions and letters, they’re joining Congressional Republicans in sounding the alarm. Some examples:
Alabama Joint Resolution 109 – “[A]ny system to regulate greenhouse gas emissions must not eliminate American jobs and diminish the ability of American industry to compete in the global marketplace… [A]ny system to regulate greenhouse gas emissions must not add to the already high costs of power and gasoline;” (May 15, 2009)
Indiana Senate Resolution 76 – “Any system to regulate greenhouse gases must ensure that the adopted regime does not result in the off-shoring of international trade-sensitive industries;… Any system to regulate greenhouse gas emissions must not eliminate American jobs and diminish the ability of American industry to compete in the global marketplace.” (April 24, 2009)
Louisiana Senate Resolution 91 – “Be it resolved that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana memorializes the Congress of the United States to address the issue of global climate change through the adoption of a fair and effective approach that safeguards American jobs, ensures affordable energy for citizens, and maintains America’s global competitiveness.” (June 9, 2009)
Mississippi Senate Concurrent Resolution 584 – “[Be] it resolved… we do hereby urge the United States Congress to … (a) safeguard American jobs; (b) ensure affordable energy for American citizens and industry; (c) offer incentives for efficient practices and technologies; (d) prevent ‘emissions leakage’; and (e) maintain the global competitiveness of American industry.” (March 16, 2009)
South Carolina House Resolution 3508 – “Be it resolved by the South Carolina House of Representatives: That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, memorialize the United States Congress to address the issue of global climate change through the adoption of a fair and effective approach that safeguards American jobs, ensure affordable energy for citizens, and maintains America’s global competitiveness.” (March 3, 2009)
Tennessee House Joint Resolution 323 – “Be it resolved… that it is the sense of the Tennessee General Assembly that the State of Tennessee should only combat global climate change and reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses if and only if such a plan for doing so were structured in a manner to (1) promote American jobs; (2) avoid imposing higher energy prices on American families and industry; (3) reward early adopters of efficient practices and technologies; (4) monitor and prevent ‘emissions leakage’; and (4) champion and ensure the continued global competitiveness of American industry.” (June 8, 2009)
Letter from Members of the Illinois General Assembly – “Any system to regulate greenhouse gas emissions must not eliminate American jobs and diminish the ability of American industry to compete in the global marketplace… [C]limate change policy must not add to the already high costs of power and gasoline.”
Letter from Members of the North Carolina General Assembly – “[T]he regulation of greenhouse gas emissions must not add to the already high costs of power and gasoline… [A]ny proposal to address global climate change and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions must be structured in a way that safeguards American jobs, ensures affordable energy for American citizens and industry, offers incentives for efficient practices and technologies, prevents ‘emissions leakage’ and maintains the global competitiveness of the American industry.” (March 18, 2009)
Letter from Members of the Virginia General Assembly – “[We] urge the Members of our Congressional Delegation, when considering any system for regulating greenhouse gas emissions, to support fair and effective measures that safeguard American jobs, ensure affordable energy for citizens, and maintain America’s global competitiveness.” (February 16, 2009)
Recognizing that the best solutions often come from outside the Beltway, Reps. Devin Nunes (R-CA) and Mike Rogers (R-MI) joined with Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) earlier this year in launching the GOP State Solutions project. The goals of the project are to increase coordination among reform-minded Republican Members of Congress, governors, and state legislators; highlight the better solutions Republicans are offering at all levels of government; and educate Americans about the impact misguided Washington proposals such as Speaker Pelosi’s new national energy tax will have on states and local communities.
For more information on the State Solutions project, visit the State Solutions website at http://states.gopleader.gov/.
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