Save Taxpayers Millions; Oppose H.R.1992

Dear Representative,

On behalf of the nation’s taxpayers, Taxpayers for Common Sense urges you to oppose H.R.1992 –  the American Soda Ash Competitiveness Act. In these tight budget times, it is imperative that taxpayers receive a fair return for the development of public resources.  The bill, which would reduce the royalty rate for soda ash produced on federal lands, seeks to re-implement a failed policy from a decade ago and would cost taxpayers millions.

When Congress passed the Soda Ash Royalty Reduction Act (SARRA) of 2006 (P.L. 109-38), proponents claimed it would increase soda ash production, boost exports, and create jobs. According to both the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Geological Survey, it failed by all three measures while the law was in effect from 2007-2011. Royalty revenue, meanwhile, was reduced by more than $150 million – five times what the Congressional Budget Office had predicted.  By losing out on their share of that revenue, and by losing revenue as producers shifted operations from state to federal lands, states received roughly $110 million less than they would have without SARRA. The law was a costly mistake, and because soda ash prices have only increased since then, losses from H.R. 1992 could be even greater.

Taxpayers for Common Sense urges you to vote NO on H.R.1992 . It’s time we moved on from the mistakes of SARRA, and ensure taxpayers receive a fair return for minerals extracted on federal lands.

For additional information, please contact Autumn Hanna at (202) 546-8500.

Sincerely,

Ryan Alexander
President
Taxpayers for Common Sense

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