U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) introduced an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2016 budget on Tuesday, which would prevent implementation of a carbon tax – a concept that could lead to much higher energy costs for America’s families.
Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) co-sponsored the amendment, which would automatically create a Point of Order against any legislation coming forth that contains taxes or fees related to carbon emissions.
“In states like Missouri, which relies overwhelmingly on coal for affordable energy, the Obama administration’s flawed energy agenda hurts low-income families and young people the most,” Blunt said. “This amendment will help stop any legislation from coming through the Senate with a carbon tax and send a clear signal to the Obama administration that Americans simply cannot afford to pay higher utility bills resulting from these burdensome policies.”
Blunt has introduced similar legislation a number of times over the past two years, as part of the heavily debated Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act, the unemployment insurance bill, and as part of the Fiscal Year 2014 Budget. The issue is of particular importance to Blunt, as his home state of Missouri depends on coal for the majority of its electricity needs.
“A carbon tax would not only provide a hurdle to American industries struggling to make a comeback, but the costs it would pass on to consumers would be a major blow to families and businesses on main street,” Thune added. “We need to take advantage of our affordable domestic energy sources as we build our economy and continue to develop renewable and reliable alternatives.”