Rep. Pete Olson (R-Sugar Land) today applauded the House for approving H.R. 910, the Energy Tax Prevention Act of 2011. This bipartisan measure prevents the EPA from harming businesses and consumers by imposing costly greenhouse gas regulations to address climate change. The bill is narrowly drawn to clarify the EPA’s authority under the Clean Air Act, preserving the law’s important and longstanding functions to reduce air pollution. 

"The Clean Air Act did not include greenhouse gases and Congress, not EPA is the one with the authority to amend that law," Olson said.  "As oil prices continue to climb, these regulations will only increase the cost of gasoline and energy, further harming an already weak economy.  Texas has improved air quality and increased energy production even as we have experienced the largest population growth in America.  This legislation reinforces the need to find common sense solutions that provide an affordable and reliable energy supply for our nation, as well as providing much needed certainty for employers."

The House passed the Energy Tax Prevention Act by a vote of 255-172.  It is supported by leading job creators and taxpayer advocates including the National Federation of Independent Business, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Farm Bureau, and National Association of Manufacturers.  For a list of groups supporting the Energy Tax Prevention Act, please visit HERE.

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