Bill Text: MI HR0114 | 2009-2010 | 95th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to memorialize the United States Congress to oppose any plans to implement a carbon dioxide cap and trade (tax) program.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 3-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2009-06-25 - Referred To Committee On Energy And Technology [HR0114 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2009-HR0114-Introduced.html
Reps. McMillin, Agema and Calley offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 114.
A resolution to memorialize the United States Congress to oppose any plans to implement a carbon dioxide cap and trade (tax) program.
Whereas, While striving to mitigate perceived global warming, many groups are calling for the implementation of what is called a carbon dioxide cap and trade program. Under a cap-and-trade program—which should really be called a "cap and tax" program—the U.S. government would set a gradually declining overall cap on the amount of carbon dioxide that can be emitted by American companies; and
Whereas, Cap and trade programs are complex schemes that obscure the true cost of limiting carbon dioxide emissions. Suppressing emissions of carbon dioxide would dramatically impact energy-producing industries and would stifle an American economy which is based on energy. Electricity, home heating fuels, and automotive fuel would become significantly more expensive. Energy intensive businesses, such as those dependent on advanced technologies, would face soaring costs which they would undoubtedly pass on to consumers. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that a 15 percent cut of emissions would raise average household energy costs by almost $1,300 a year. This would constitute a huge “tax” on average Americans. Proponents of carbon cap and trade programs typically fail to mention the true costs to American consumers of implementing such programs; and
Whereas, Congressman John Dingell rightly proclaimed earlier this year when referring to this proposal, "It's a great big tax,"; and
Whereas, A recent study showed that for every so-called green job created there is a loss of over two non-green jobs; and
Whereas, According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 2008 was the coldest year since 2000 and global temperatures for the year were below the average of the past 30 years; and
Whereas, The result of this scheme would most definitely be a financial burden on middle and lower income families; and
Whereas, The current administration in Washington has gained and is attempting to gain more control over the private sector through ownership of automotive companies, financial institutions and healthcare. A carbon dioxide cap and trade program would give additional control to government over our lives and private business; and
Whereas, It is doubtful that a carbon dioxide cap and trade program would provide any real benefits. What is certain though, is that a carbon dioxide cap and tax program will saddle Americans with higher energy costs; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the United States Congress to oppose any plans to implement a national carbon cap and trade program; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
