California Conservative

Rep. Mike Pence’s statement on energy policy is a shot across the Democrats’ bow. When they take up President Obama’s budget blueprint, they’ll be voting on a bill that includes a major tax increase via the cap and trade provisions of the bill. Here’s Rep. Pence’s statement:

“The President’s energy policy is yet another example that his budget taxes too much. Buried beneath the promise to not raise taxes on 95 percent of Americans is a ‘light switch tax’ that will impact every working family at a time when many are struggling to make ends meet. Raising the costs of energy by up to $3,100 on every American household will have a devastating impact on our nation’s families and small businesses.

“Americans vividly remember the days of spending more than $4 for a gallon of gas. The President’s misguided energy policies will limit supply and ensure that high prices are the way of the future. Rest assured, House Republicans will continue to fight for energy independence.”

I wrote frequently about the AEA or American Energy Act. I still think that it’s the best energy reform legislation in a generation. The AEA is legislation worth fighting for. Though it won’t replace the cap and tax provisions of President Obama’s budget, it will be on the record as being the Republicans’ alternative to the Democrats’ plan.

I’d frame it as a choice between a job-killing anti-fossil fuel bill and a balanced all-of-the-above energy plan. The AEA contains conservation provisions, increased production provisions and alternative energy provisions. What isn’t contained in the AEA, though, is a tax increase.

I’d love seeing the Democrats defend their anti-coal, anti-production, anti-nuclear power, pro tax increase bill against the Republicans’ pro-production alternative.

Technorati Tags: Energy, Cap And Trade, Democrats, Fossil Fuels, Drill Baby Drill, Nuclear Power, Mike Pence, Republicans