Minnick: 'This is too important to get wrong'

Washington, D.C. – Idaho Congressman Walt Minnick released the following statement regarding today’s planned vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on the Waxman-Markey bill.
 
“After several weeks of very serious consideration, I have decided to vote against the American Clean Energy and Security Act. ‘Cap and trade’ is not the best way to control greenhouse gas emissions, nor is it the right solution for Idaho. It will raise prices, make it harder to invest and is bad for business at a time when we must be focused on creating jobs.

“This bill raises many concerns. Idaho farmers are worried about increased fertilizer and power costs.  Idaho energy companies believe it lacks proper consideration for hydro power and nuclear technology.  Idaho businesses are frustrated with giveaways that rig the system in favor of pollution-heavy industry in the Midwest and California. Idaho investors are concerned that the price of carbon credits – which virtually all businesses would be required to buy – will be controlled by Wall Street speculators. And Idaho citizens struggling to meet expenses are worried that gasoline and electric bills will go up during this time of economic recession and high unemployment.
 
“For all of those reasons, I must vote ‘no.’
 
“I am also voting ‘no’ because this is too important to get wrong. Our nation desperately needs a new approach to deal with the frightening consequences of a deteriorating atmosphere. But I believe there is a better way than ‘cap and trade.’

“We should reward consumers and businesses for conservation and for investment in clean energy. We must offer meaningful tax incentives for new energy technologies which will help create jobs and maintain Idaho’s way of life. This nation and our state need bio-fuels, co-generation plants, wind farms, solar energy and next-generation nuclear facilities.
 
“We should also tax the biggest polluters and rebate the proceeds to their customers.  That will create market stability, and will help business know their costs. There will be less greenhouse gases, but consumers will avoid higher prices at the pump and in their monthly electric bills. 
 
“I considered this vote carefully, using my experience as a businessman, a member of a farm family and a conservationist, as well as by listening to all of my constituents. And I believe the right vote is ‘no.’”