Inhofe Says Congress Should Work To Lower Gas Prices, Not Raise Them 

Joins Senate Republican Leadership to Oppose Climate Tax Bill   

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WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, today joined Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Senate Republican Leader, Senator Lamar Alexander, Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference (R-TN), and Senator Kit Bond (R-MO) to discuss how the America's Climate Security Act – S.2191 (Climate Tax Bill), now amended to S. 3036 (Boxer Substitute), would raise gas prices.  

“With average gas prices in Oklahoma and the country around $4 a gallon, it may be hard to believe, but the U.S. Senate is considering legislation this week that will further drive up the cost at the pump,” Senator Inhofe said.

“The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the Climate Tax Bill will increase fuel costs an additional 53 cents per gallon by 2030 and $1.40 by 2050. 

“Rather than wasting the Senate’s time on legislation that will further drive up the price of gas at the pump and the price of energy in our homes, Congress should be working to solve our nation’s energy crisis. As an energy state, Oklahomans understand that the best way to address soaring energy prices is to take advantage of domestic energy resources such as oil, natural gas, nuclear and wind power, and clean coal technologies. Each is essential to securing an American energy supply that is stable, diverse and affordable. 

“I am confident that when the American people learn the facts about the enormous economic burdens of this bill, they will contact their Senators and ask them to oppose the bill. It seems unlikely that as American families face harsh economic times, that any Senator would dare stand on the Senate Floor days from now and vote in favor of significantly increasing the price of gas at the pump and legislation that would cost millions of American jobs.” 

Background: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the Climate Tax Bill will increase fuel costs an additional 53 cents per gallon by 2030 and by $1.40 by 2050.The Energy Information Agency (EIA) estimates gas prices will increase anywhere from 41 cents per gallon to $1.01 per gallon by 2030.

For more information on the government studies, visit www.epw.senate.gov/lieberman-warnerbillexposed

Read More About the Economic Impact of Lieberman-Warner on Oklahoma:

Inhofe Op-Ed in the Wall Street Journal: We Don't Need a Climate Tax on the Poor

Daily Oklahoman Editorial: Cap-and-weighed: Warming debate centers on cost, effects

Inhofe Blog Post: The High Cost of Lieberman-Warner on Oklahoma Families

Inhofe Op-Ed in The Oklahoman: Rising Gas Prices: Energy Solutions Are Needed, Not Excuses ###