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June 26, 2009: Congressman Wittman Advocates Economically Viable Transition to Clean Energy

Washington, D.C., June 26, 2009
Washington, D.C. - Rob Wittman today opposed the passage of Cap and Trade legislation that would fundamentally alter both energy markets and the U.S. economy in an attempt to curb carbon dioxide emissions.  The bill, H.R. 2454, passed the house by a vote of 219 to 212, with 43 Democrats joining in bipartisan opposition.  Wittman released the following statement:

 

"As an environmental scientist, crafting legislation to protect our environment and transition our economy to clean energy is one of my top priorities.  I believe we must focus on aggressively pursuing alternative and renewable energy, but do so in a manner that does not create greater problems than it solves.  This is why I could not support today's Cap and Trade legislation."

"Virginians, along with the rest of America, are struggling through the most challenging economic environment since the Great Depression.  Congress must consider the impact of each bill we pass on the farmers and watermen who are already struggling to make ends meet.  And, in areas like energy and the environment, we must make the transition to alternative and renewable energy in the least disruptive method for our economy."

"At last count, unemployment stood at 10.2% in Lancaster county, 9.4% in Northumberland county, and around 8% in much of the rest of the First District.  I also have serious reservations about the threat this legislation poses to our industrial base and the energy intensive shipbuilding industry in Newport News.  Put simply, the Cap and Trade bill promised to create far more problems for my constituents than it solved."

"Simply opposing flawed legislation, however, does not get us any closer to a solution.  That's why Congress must move towards a plan that transitions our country to clean energy in an economically viable manner.  I am a cosponsor of the American Energy Act because it does just that.  I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House to accomplish a sustainable, comprehensive energy policy."

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He was elected to his first full term in November 2008 and serves on the Natural Resources Committee and the Armed Services Committee where he is the Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.