Press Releases

Officials Echo Luetkemeyer's Concerns Over Dangerous Energy Tax Pending in Congress

Columbia, MO, June 23, 2009
State and utility officials including the Democratic chairman of the Missouri Public Service Commission are echoing U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer's (MO-9) concerns that a proposed energy tax is going to be placed on the backs of hard-working Missourians already struggling to make ends meet.
State and utility officials including the Democratic chairman of the Missouri Public Service Commission are echoing U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer’s (MO-9) concerns that a proposed energy tax is going to be placed on the backs of hard-working Missourians already struggling to make ends meet.
 
The Associated Press reports that during a forum in Jefferson City on the cap-and-trade bill that Nancy Pelosi is trying to force a vote on this week, utility officials expressed their concerns about how much utility bills will rise as a result of the legislation. And Public Service Commission Chairman Robert M. Clayton III, a former Democratic state lawmaker, said he was also concerned about the impact the bill would have on energy rates since Missouri primarily produces energy through the use of coal.
 
Luetkemeyer opposes the cap-and-tax bill because it will increase taxes, eliminate jobs or drive them offshore and significantly raise energy costs. Family budgets could see an estimated $3,000 per household tax increase because of the disastrous consequences of the misguided bill. Furthermore, the national energy tax would increase the cost of doing business, which hurts small business owners and family farmers and would force many firms to leave this country.  
“Missouri officials understand the significant financial hardship this energy tax will place on hard-working folks who are already struggling to make ends meet and can’t really afford to pay more for electricity and gas,” Luetkemeyer said. “I intend to oppose liberals like Nancy Pelosi that want to force this tax down Missouri taxpayers’ throats and I am glad to see state officials speaking openly about their concerns with this bad legislation.”
Luetkemeyer supports the American Energy Act that focuses on domestic production of our natural resources and a renewed commitment to safe and emissions-free nuclear energy. The goal of the American Energy Act is to license 100 new nuclear reactors over the next 20 years by streamlining the burdensome regulatory process and ensuring the recycling and safe storage of spent nuclear fuel. The bill also seeks to increase domestic supply by lifting restrictions on the Arctic Coastal Plain, the Outer Continental Shelf and oil shale in the Mountain West.  Revenues generated through domestic production will support innovation in renewable and alternative energy sources, like wind and solar technologies.
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