The Cap and Trade train is still moving along (a.k.a. "American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009").
I agree with the assessment of Susan Eckerly, senior vice president, public policy for the NFIB assessment of this bill:
I agree with the assessment of Susan Eckerly, senior vice president, public policy for the NFIB assessment of this bill:
"At a time when our nation faces near 10 percent unemployment and stalled economic growth, now is not the time to impose an $846 billion energy tax on small business. Instead of investing in their businesses and creating new jobs, this cap and trade proposal will force small business owners to pay higher energy prices.To see the impact this bill will have on you personally go the Tax Foundation's Household Cap-and-Trade Burden Calculator. Or, for a more humorous take on Cap and Trade, see their YouTube video.
"According to the NFIB 2008 Small Business Problems and Priorities data, the cost of natural gas, propane, gasoline, diesel, and fuel oil ranks as the second most severe problem small business owners face. Higher energy costs mean a higher cost of doing business, and small business is especially sensitive to increases in cost.
"Our members believe that the free market is best suited to develop new energy efficient technologies and renewable sources of fuel, and our nation's job creators stand ready to do so without the heavy hand of government mandates.
"Our data shows that small business owners are growing more optimistic about the economy. For that reason, a large, unfunded government mandate and a national energy tax are the last things small business and the overall economy needs. We are strongly urging the House to defeat this bill."
Jeff,
Have we well and truly lost our collective minds? I realize the House vote is not the end of the story, but just the fact that this disaster of a bill may even have a chance of being passed is appalling and outrageous. This thing will make Smoot-Hawley look benign. This bill would have been insane a few years ago even when the economy was growing strongly, etc. Now, how can anyone outside of a few idiots like Waxman (who represents Beverly Hills after all) even talk about this bill with a straight face. Unbelievable. These idiots are working hard to ensure our graduates won't have jobs for a long time to come.
John Wark
Cap and Trade. It sounds pretty, doesn't it? I mean, who doesn't want to save the planet? After all, didn't God tell Adam to care for the earth? Truly, I believe we should. But is that the REAL reason behind Cap and Trade? Don't people realize that Cap and Trade is nothing but an indirect tax on the American people? Thanks, America (especially to my mom and dad), for voting for a President leading us to change! Wow! I just can't wait to pay more for fuel and utilities if Cap and Trade makes it through the Senate!