Published: 06-03-08
Reminds Congress to Stay Focused on Addressing Rising Energy Costs
WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn Vice-Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference said today that Congress must have a thorough debate on the Climate Security Bill S. 3036 as there are many unanswered questions to closely examine. He also said Congress must stay focused on addressing rising energy costs following a Capitol Hill forum Monday afternoon on alternative energy sources.
“The debate over our environment is one well worth having. It should not be about partisan politics. It should be about doing what’s right for families and future generations.
“As we move forward with debate over this mammoth new legislation there are many unanswered questions that Congress should examine closely. The bill appears to implement a $6.7 trillion program that could undermine economic growth raise energy costs for American consumers and send jobs overseas to countries such as India and China. We need a thoughtful and serious debate on how to be the best stewards of the environment possible. As we do this I hope Congress pays heed to the law of unintended consequences including what impact it might have on the budgets of families in Texas and across the country.
“At a time when many working families are struggling with high gas prices we must take steps to address this problem and not add to it. Already families back in Texas are paying an extra $1400 a year to fuel their cars and an additional $2300 a year for this Congress’ new taxes. So we need to carefully consider what affect sweeping new legislation might have on their pocketbooks while staying focused on promoting clean energy initiatives and taking steps to strengthen our domestic energy security.
Sen. Cornyn’s remarks followed his participation yesterday in a Capitol Hill energy forum sponsored by Senate Republicans which examined alternative sources of clean energy that will help our country become less dependent on foreign sources of energy and reduce energy costs for American families. Among those who testified at the forum was Dr. Scott W. Tinker Director Bureau of Economic Geology University of Texas at Austin who worked on the proposed FutureGen project and addressed the issue of carbon recapture in his remarks.
“As I talked to Texans over the past week I was continually asked when Congress was finally going to take action to lower those prices. Part of my trip involved meeting with several energy producers and local officials in Austin to talk about rising energy costs and the City of Austin’s increasing use of renewable energy particularly solar power. I was proud to bring their voices to the clean energy forum and I will continue to make sure their voices are being heard on Capitol Hill.
“We can be good stewards of our environment while taking responsible steps to lower gas prices and strengthen domestic energy production.”
