Energy and Climate Legislation: More Transparency and Accountability
May 11, 2010
There are three key principles that must be addressed in any energy and climate change legislation the Senate considers. First, whatever system it creates to regulate carbon must be transparent. Second, both regulators and industry must be held accountable for meeting the standards the legislation sets for carbon reduction. And finally, energy and climate legislation should not be loaded with sweeteners like new or expanded subsidies for mature energy industries that do not need them. We urge you to oppose any new subsidies for mature energy industries and pass a climate bill that doesn’t pick the pockets of taxpayers, while padding the pockets of big energy.
More subsidies for corn ethanol would also undermine energy and climate legislation. Since the 1970’s taxpayers have generously subsidized corn ethanol, and currently lose more than $5 billion a year on the ethanol tax credit that goes to Big Oil companies – not corn growers. The ethanol industry already benefits from mandates and import tariffs as well. Adding any additional subsidies would do little more than add to the laundry list of giveaways.
Sincerely,
Ryan Alexander
Weekly Email
