Tax Increase Will Be Passed Onto Consumer

After voting to send H.R. 6, the CLEAN Energy Act of 2007 to committee so that it could be thoughtfully considered, Congressman Barrett (SC, 3) released the following statement voicing his opposition to the legislation.

“All policies we pass related to our energy policy should lessen American reliance on foreign sources of energy.  The American people expect us to promote policies that not only lower the price at the pump, but also deal with the real national security concerns related to our dependence on foreign countries for our energy supply.  H.R. 6 sends us in the opposite direction.” 

“What is not being discussed is how the $14 billion in new taxes and fees imposed on American energy producers by H.R. 6 will be passed on to consumers.  The American people will face higher gasoline prices, the effects of which will ripple throughout the economy.  Our constituents can expect to see increased prices on everything from the obvious home energy costs to everyday items like televisions and fast food.” Barrett remains determined to decrease American reliance on foreign energy supplies and increase our domestic energy exploration and production.  “Our nation should encourage the research being conducted in the private sector to find new innovative and alternative energy sources.  Unfortunately, H.R. 6 is not the answer.” 

Congressman Barrett, an original member of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus, has a solid record of promoting alternative energy research.  Barrett is a strong supporter of the Aiken County Center for Hydrogen Research, the South Carolina Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Alliance, the Savannah River National Laboratory, and the International Center for Automotive Research – all of which are currently conducting research related to hydrogen power.  Additionally, Congressman Barrett worked to have language included in the Energy Act of 2005 requiring the Department of Energy to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of developing commercial nuclear energy production facilities at existing Energy Department sites.