Kerry, Boxer Introduce New Climate Change Bill
Senators John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) introduced today the Senate version of a climate change bill, one they call "The Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act."
"Our health, our security, our economy, our environment, all demand we reinvent the way America uses energy," Kerry said in a statement announcing the bill. "Our addiction to foreign oil hurts our economy, helps our enemies and risks our security. By taking decisive action, we can and will stop climate change from becoming a 'threat multiplier' that makes an already dangerous world staggeringly more so."
The Senate Republican leader quickly released a statement criticizing the bill for the costs he says will be taken on by the American public -- the same argument House Republicans consistently used earlier this year.
"While many details are missing, this latest draft of the Democrats' new national energy tax appears to be even more expensive for consumers and for our economy than the bill that passed the House," said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). "The last thing American families need right now is to be hit with a new energy tax every time they flip on a lightswitch, or fill up their car--but that's exactly what this bill would do."
The House passed its version, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, on June 26 by a narrow, 219-212 margin. Here are some reactions from House leaders, Democrat and Republican, on the new Senate bill...
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer:
"Building a new, clean energy economy that creates jobs and increases American competitiveness and energy independence is a key priority for this Congress. The American Clean Energy and Security Act that passed the House in June lays the groundwork to achieve these goals through policies that invest in clean energy technologies and infrastructure, and curb the carbon pollution that threatens our economy, security and health. I look forward to the Senate's consideration of the Kerry-Boxer proposal as another step forward in investing in our clean energy future and asserting our leadership in new energy technologies."
Speaker Nancy Pelosi:
"The Boxer-Kerry bill is a strong foundation for Senate action on our clean energy future. I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to deliver to the President a comprehensive clean energy and climate bill as soon as possible to ensure the success of the Copenhagen negotiations."
House Minority Leader John Boehner:
"The national energy tax was a terrible idea when it passed the House, and it is an even worse idea now. Middle-class families and small businesses struggling to make ends meet shouldn't be punished with costly legislation that will increase electricity bills, raise gasoline prices, and ship more American jobs overseas."Democrats in Washington had egg on their faces when the Obama Administration's own estimates found that the national energy tax will cost families an extra $1,700 per year. Instead of coming to their senses and scrapping this dangerous proposal, Democrats are pressing ahead, proving once again that they just don't get it.
"Republicans have offered a better solution. Our legislation - the American Energy Act - will clean up the environment, lower energy costs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and create millions of good-paying American jobs."