Coal lobby fights back on climate bill (Stealth Energy Tax)

The Hill ^ | 06/18/09 | Jim Snyder

[AKSurprise]

The coal industry is pushing back against a climate change bill that would likely curb coal use by circulating a map that shows which states would see their electric bills increase the most under the legislation.

But supporters of the bill say the industry’s figures are off the mark and don’t factor in ways the bill will offset rising energy costs or the jobs that it will create.

Lobbying has intensified, with Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) pressing for a floor vote next week. Waxman reported progress on Thursday in talks with Democrats from rural states who have criticized the bill for not doing enough to protect consumers from higher energy costs.

Industry opponents of the bill are working to sow discontent within the Democratic Caucus by estimating the cost impact by state, in hopes of drawing battle lines based on region rather than political party.

House Republicans have picked up on the theme and are circulating the coal industry’s map in hopes of blocking what is a top legislative priority of Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and President Obama.

The National Mining Association, a trade group that represents coal producers, has claimed credit for the map, although an official at Peabody Energy, a large coal company, is listed in a .pdf as its specific author.

[AKSurprise]

[AKSurprise]

I want the electoral map to look like that in 2010/2012. If the GOP keeps pounding away at all these new taxes, stealth of otherwise, and it just might.

[Dust in the Wind]

I thought we all already bought the allowances by paying the taxes that let the Federal government pay for 80%
of the cost of building the hydroelectric systems in the ‘green’ states.???

[steelyourfaith]

 

Beam me to Planet Gore !

[pnh102]

I think the energy companies should cut power to the homes of any lawmaker who supports this idea.

[richardtavor]

I have not understood why the coal companies, oil and gas companies, etc. don’t take these people to court and present evidence. They surely have a case about lost income due to false testimony.