U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) released the following statement regarding his opposition to President Obama and Speaker Pelosi’s “Cap and Tax” bill which will impose a national energy tax on hard-working Americans:

“It is unimaginable that in these challenging economic times President Obama and Speaker Pelosi would push Congress to pass a national energy tax under the guise of environmental stewardship – but today they succeeded in doing just that. I voted against this job-killing ‘Cap-and-Tax’ legislation because every American would have to pay a ‘carbon tax’ for turning on the lights, driving to work or heating their home throughout the winter. Even more disturbing is the fact that one independent analysis suggested 2.3 to 2.7 million jobs would be lost over the next 20 years under Cap and Tax. At a time when 2.9 million Americans have lost their job this year alone, it is irresponsible and unacceptable to support this reckless bill.

“Perhaps most egregious is the disproportionate affect of these policies on Kentucky, where more than 95% of our electricity comes from coal. This legislation places an enormous tax on coal-burning companies in an attempt to lower emissions, but the reality is these costs will necessarily be passed onto consumers – costing Kentucky electric consumers an estimated $561 million in 2012. Taking into consideration increased costs of gasoline, diesel, food and goods, some studies show this legislation would cost each Kentucky family an additional $4600 a year when fully implemented. This shouldn’t be a complete surprise as President Obama even said that under ‘Cap and Tax’ utility rates would necessarily skyrocket. In these tough economic times it is a slap in the face for working families in rural America to be expected to pay more for basic needs.

“Kentuckians can’t afford this national energy tax, nor do they want it; rather, the people of Kentucky want energy independence. I have always been a proponent of protecting our environment which is why I founded PRIDE and support alternative energy such as clean coal, and nuclear power. I co-sponsored the “All of the Above” Republican energy plan which offers more affordable energy, supports clean coal, creates more jobs here at home and protects the environment by developing our domestic resources and investing in renewable and alternative energy sources. We need a comprehensive energy solution, not a bill that unfairly taxes rural America and sends jobs overseas.”