Concerned about the impact that the cap-and-trade national energy tax will have on Midwest agriculture and manufacturing, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) joined his colleagues in calling for a joint hearing of the House Agriculture Committee, the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Small Business Committee.

 

Luetkemeyer is a member of the Agriculture Committee and the Small Business Committee.

“We hear daily from our constituents regarding cap-and-trade legislation and its effects on manufacturing, agriculture and small businesses in our districts,” Luetkemeyer and his colleagues wrote in the letter. “Cap-and-trade legislation, which will have an effect on the energy prices, jobs, businesses and industries in the Midwest who rely heavily on coal and natural gas, should be examined and fully considered for negative effects before further proceeding.”

During his travels throughout the district, Luetkemeyer has visited with many hard-working farmers, manufacturers and small businesses who are trying to make ends meet during these tough economic times, and they have repeatedly expressed to him their concerns about this dangerous legislation. The national energy tax that is being considered by Congress, with the administration’s blessing, will lead to higher energy bills. The president himself has admitted the legislation would cause energy prices to skyrocket. Estimates suggest that the cap-and-tax plan will cost millions of American jobs, as manufacturers are forced to close their doors or relocate overseas because of the new burdens created by this flawed legislation.

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