Tulsa World: House approves bill for 'greener' economy

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House approves bill for 'greener' economy
But Oklahoma's congressional delegation isn't happy about passage of the historic measure.

DON'T SADDLE SOONERS
U.S. Rep. Dan Boren: "This legislation will saddle all Oklahoma families, seniors living on fixed incomes, and small businesses struggling to survive the current downturn with what is essentially a tax on energy usage in all forms — from gasoline to utility bills."

By JIM MYERS World Washington Bureau
Published: 6/27/2009 2:22 AM
Last Modified: 6/27/2009 4:50 AM

WASHINGTON — After a day of uncertainty, the U.S. House narrowly approved a historic bill Friday to address global warming and move the country toward a cleaner- energy economy.

The 219-212 vote sends the controversial bill to the U.S. Senate, where it faces even more uncertainty.

U.S. Rep. Dan Boren predicted defeat in the Senate.

Boren and others in Oklahoma's congressional delegation lined up against the legislation, warning that it would disrupt the state's farm economy and punish its energy industry and families

.

"This legislation will saddle all Oklahoma families, seniors living on fixed incomes, and small businesses struggling to survive the current downturn with what is essentially a tax on energy usage in all forms — from gasoline to utility bills," said Boren, Oklahoma's lone Democrat in Congress.

"The bill imposes enormous new costs on Oklahoma's electric companies by forcing them to purchase carbon allowances to be compliant with emission reductions."

The legislation would require the U.S. to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent from 2005 levels by 2020 and by about 80 percent by mid-century.

U.S. carbon dioxide emissions from the burning of fossil fuels are rising at about 1 percent a year and are predicted to continue increasing without mandatory limits.

Under the bill, the government would limit heat-trapping pollution from factories, refineries and power plants and issue allowances for polluters.

Most of the allowances would be given away, but about 15 percent would be auctioned by bid and the proceeds used to defray higher energy costs for lower- income individuals and families.

Boren said the bill would force Oklahomans to pay for the extra carbon allowances while at the same time providing states such as California with the allowances for free.

"It is a recipe for significant job loss, and it is the absolute wrong approach to take during a recession," he said.

Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Okla., said the bill would put the nation's standard of living at risk by higher energy and food costs and lost jobs.

"This bill is the single largest economic threat to our farmers and ranchers in decades," Lucas said.

Not only would agricultural producers' costs go up, he said, but their markets would shrink as foreign competitors are allowed to undersell them because their governments would not place similar burdens on them.

Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., said residents in rural areas who commute long distances to work would be affected disproportionately.

"Many will face reduced living standards — spending less, saving less, and going without many of the items they need for a decent life," Cole said.

Rep. Mary Fallin, R-Okla., said the bill would be particularly unfair to Oklahoma.

"Our state is a large producer of both oil and natural gas, and the restrictions this legislation places on the production and exploration of these resources will devastate our energy producers," Fallin said.

Rep. John Sullivan, R-Okla., who took a temporary leave from Congress to seek treatment for alcohol addiction, missed the vote.

President Obama continued to help round up votes with calls to lawmakers.

He and other major supporters see the legislation as an opportunity to address global warming and push the nation's economy toward a cleaner, job-producing economy.

Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and sponsor of the bill, said it would help transform the economy.

Waxman said global warming not only is real but is rapidly moving toward a "tipping point."

"Our action will make no difference after that," he said, adding the bill is necessary to avoid that disaster.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Jim Myers (202) 484-1424
jim.myers@tulsaworld.com By JIM MYERS World Washington Bureau

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	Report Comment droopy, wagoner (6/27/2009 6:38:10 AM) Shouldn't the headline have read, "House passes the largest tax increase in history?"
	Report Comment zzx375, BA (6/27/2009 7:25:25 AM) Carbon tax, now! "...it would help transform the economy." Hey, hey! Change we can believe in, yes we can! Will Henry Waxman and Nancy Pelosi be lining up to ensure that the California coast get their fair share of windmills?
	Report Comment justiceawaits, Claremore (6/27/2009 7:49:49 AM) I seldom agree with droopy, but he is right this time.This is little more than a smoke and mirrors approach to increased taxation.
	Report Comment ajohnb, Jenks (6/27/2009 8:07:41 AM) Uh Oh, Rep. Boren. The left greeenie weenies are going to lump you in with all the Republican Senators and Representatives in Oklahoma. After all, you have dissed their president, and you, a member of their party. Thank you for joining those that see what this bill could lead to in this country and for taking a stand against a super tax hike. Now Democrats, sic 'em. he didn't follow obama like the other sheep.
	Report Comment nucleardad, Tulsa (6/27/2009 9:03:27 AM) Obama supporters are strangly absent from this and other posts regarding this bill. Have you noticed?
	Report Comment RLG3RD, Broken Arrow (6/27/2009 9:43:16 AM) yes, I noticed that the " I hate everyone who has more than me " group is missing, but I am sure they will get around to it.
	Report Comment Independent Thinker, Tulsa (6/27/2009 9:49:29 AM) //\\ Come November 2010, I hope our fellow Americans have longer memories than they have displayed in the past. Obama and his socialists are going to be so unpopular that even conservative Democrats (that's almost a contradiction in terms), might bite the dust. Remember what happened in 94'... the American people tend to gag when politicians try to shove too much down our throats all at once. //\\
	Report Comment Travis, Tahlequah (6/27/2009 10:34:30 AM) Another expansion of the powers of government, change we can believe in. Another massive tax increase, change we can believe in.
	Report Comment @HomeInTulsa, (6/27/2009 5:40:14 PM) All the OK Rep's did us proud. Even Boren. Let the Senate sweat begin....
	Report Comment Bedazzled, (6/28/2009 12:09:35 AM) No GOP member or Democrat will win the 2012 election without going Green. Even the young are for better air. Some people in Oklahoma are still living in the past.

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