Mother Lode Congressional Leaders Speak Out Against Cap And Trade

Washington, CA — While a cap and trade climate change bill narrowly passed in the U.S. House Friday, it was adamantly opposed by 19th District Representative George Radanovich and 3rd District Representative Dan Lungren.

“I rise in strong opposition to the global ‘cap and tax’ bill that is on the floor today,” Radanovich stated on the House floor. “We don’t have to look any further than my own beloved state of California to see environmental alarmism at its worst. California has adopted its own renewable energy standard and carbon cap and trade scheme, and it is killing businesses and driving people out of the state in record numbers.”

Radanovich referred to H.R. 2454, the American Climate and Energy Security Act, as an “$800 billion national energy tax.” It puts a cap on the amount of carbon that can be emitted, and companies can then buy and sell permits.

Representative Lungren has issued a statement reading, “Manufacturers deserve better than this massive national energy tax. We will continue to fight for a comprehensive energy solution that creates jobs, makes energy more affordable, helps clean the environment and ensures our energy independence.”

Lungren added that he fears manufacturers will move plants to countries with less stringent environmental safeguards, which could in turn have a negative effect on the environment. 

H.R. 2454 is being pushed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Barack Obama. The President has called the House vote a “bold and necessary” step.

The final roll call was 219-212. The bill now moves to the Senate for a vote.

Written by bjhansen@mlode.com.