Washington, DC – U.S. Congressman Charles W. Boustany, Jr., MD (R-South Louisiana), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight, joined Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures Chairman Pat Tiberi (R-Ohio) in conducting a joint Ways and Means Committee hearing on energy policy and tax reform.  The hearing focused on comprehensive tax reform and a sustainable energy policy to address America’s economic, security, and environmental needs.

“There is no doubt our country lacks a comprehensive energy strategy to achieve energy security and create good-paying American jobs,” Boustany said in his opening statement.  “Louisianans know natural gas will be an important part of our transition to new fuel sources for the 21st century.  In addition to natural gas, we must ensure that traditional energy sources are affordable and innovative technologies are allowed to flourish.  Yet the Administration continues to advocate for job-killing tax hikes on American energy producers.”

The hearing examined how the Internal Revenue Service implements and enforces rules on energy credits.  It also explored the role of the tax code in energy policy, which includes numerous provisions to advance energy policy goals, from transportation fuels to electricity generation.

“In recent years, Congress has sought to promote the development and use of renewable energy by offering tax credits to businesses and individuals,” Boustany said.  “Whether tax credits are an effective way of pursuing this policy - and whether the tax code is the appropriate way to do so - are questions up for debate.”

Boustany has held several hearings pursuing problems with the tax code as chairman of the Oversight Subcommittee, including health-care fraud and improper payments in refundable tax credits.  He is also the leading voice in Washington for a comprehensive energy strategy to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil and create jobs for Louisiana.

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