December 7, 2007
Contact: Robin Winchell (202) 225-4031    

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-LA) issued the following statement today after voting against the House energy bill, H.R. 6, the Energy Independence and Security Act.

“Today I voted against the energy bill being considered by Congress.  I firmly believe the tax package included in this bill would hurt Louisiana’s oil and gas industry, costing our state jobs and stifling our economy.  Raising taxes on American businesses will not make us more energy independent, and less domestic energy production means higher energy costs for Louisianians.  I cannot support a bill that does that.”

“In addition, the requirement that electric utilities generate 15 percent of their electricity from renewable sources is an unfair – and possibly unachievable – mandate for states like Louisiana that lack abundant wind and solar energy resources.  Requiring a one-size-fits-all nationwide renewable energy standard would set Louisiana up for failure.  Under this mandate, our utility companies would be forced to buy renewable energy credits from other regions of the country, and the end result would be higher bills for Louisiana’s ratepayers, not a reduction in greenhouse gases.   Louisianians already pay too much to fill up their cars and heat their homes, and we should be looking at ways to lower energy costs in the short term while simultaneously working toward a future of more renewable energy production.”

“Like many Louisianians, I am concerned about global climate change, and especially the impact rising sea levels and more frequent and severe hurricanes are having on our coastal communities.  Congress must address these dangerous trends, and I applaud the leadership for focusing Congress’s attention on increasing the use of clean, renewable energy.”

“There are many good provisions in this energy bill that I could support and believe would reduce air pollution and work to prevent global climate change.  But as a whole, this bill would cause more harm than good for Louisiana’s workers, businesses, and utility ratepayers, and I cannot support it.  That being said, I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee on future legislation that will address global climate change through increased efficiencies and a greater reliance on renewable fuels, without raising taxes on American businesses and burdening Louisianians with higher energy bills.”

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